Premier Michael Dunkley and the Progressive Labour Party joined leaders across the globe yesterday in marking International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day has been celebrated on March 8 since the early 1900s and recognises the achievements of women past, present and future.

In a statement released yesterday, Mr Dunkley described woman as the foundation of “our families and our communities”.

The Opposition paid tribute to “the women of the PLP for their dedication, sacrifice and leadership over the years in fighting for a Bermuda that works for all Bermudians”.

Mr Dunkley said: “Today we celebrate the global strides women have made in all areas of society, including politics, social justice, business, the arts, education, science and so much more.

“Generations of women before us have selflessly sacrificed their lives for the greater good.

“Each in their own right forged ahead during a time when few women had little or no voice.

“They put service of country and service of people first to bring about pioneering changes not only for women, but for entire nations.”

On Friday, Mr Dunkley was among a host of art enthusiasts who dropped in to see an exhibition celebrating women at the Ace Gallery in Hamilton.

Yesterday he paid tribute to the contribution of women in Bermuda’s history.

“Throughout our history, there are those who bravely paved the way so that women in our society can have a seat at the table, become better educated and have a stronger presence within our community — both in the public and private sector,” he said. “Yet with all of the progressive strides we have made in Bermuda, women still continue to face the stark realities of barriers and discrimination.

“?This Government is committed to the advancement and upliftment of all women in our community.

“We are thankful for the perseverance and strength of those women in our society who are taking bold steps to encourage and empower women by taking a stand and taking the lead.

“It is my hope that more women take an active role in getting involved in the decisions that affect all women in our community.”

A statement from the PLP added: “We celebrate the women who have led us, from Dame Lois Browne-Evans, the first female opposition leader in the Commonwealth, former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith who led us to electoral victory, and former Premier Paula Cox.

“We celebrate the many women to who ran for and were elected under the PLP banner and those who silently have worked in the background over the last half century to ensure a Bermuda that works for Bermudians. We salute the women who marched, fought and worked to bring a level of equality to Bermuda.

“On the political front much more work is needed to increase female participation in our political system in order to bring and maintain a balance of perspectives and policies.

“We salute the thousands of Bermudian women who recently stood together in the sun and rain for three days. As a country we must continue to fight for true equality of our women.”