International Women’s Day was yesterday marked by female members of the public service.

This year’s event, celebrated yesterday, went under the banner of “embrace equality”.

A Cabinet Office spokeswoman said: “Each year women around the world stand strong, stand proud and stand united in recognition of a day that seeks to raise awareness about the importance of gender parity and equality.

“We are excited to join our community in recognising International Women’s Day.”

The spokeswoman said: “This year’s theme is embrace equity. And in keeping with this year’s theme, when we embrace equity, we embrace diversity, and we embrace inclusion.

“Once again this year, internally we will be recognising women in the service who are excited to express their support for this year’s IWD theme and message.”

To highlight the day, several female members of the public service leadership, uniformed services and other government departments participated in a number of events.

Tinee Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, sent a video message, and took part in a panel discussion.

Cherie Whitter, the deputy head of the public service, said: “The importance of IWD cannot be understated.

“Dismantling the entrenched norms of all forms of systemic discrimination requires behavioural changes among both men and women.

“We must collectively recognise and eradicate negative stereotypes.”

Jennifer Attride-Stirling, the Ministry of Finance chief strategy officer, said: “Embrace equity is a perfect theme for 2023.

“As we look around the world, we see the terrible erosion of gender rights that had been earned over the past 100 years.

“So, there could not be a better time to remind us that the whole Bermuda community must continue to embrace equity.

“Keep moving forward to greater inclusion and diversity in everything.”

Further information about International Women’s Day can be found at https://www.internationalwomensday.com/.