More should be done to tackle gender inequality in Bermuda, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors has said.

Tinée Furbert said it was important to celebrate women who broke down the barriers that held them back — but that more work had to be done.

Ms Furbert said: “Women have struggled for their rights within the cultural, social, political and economic spheres, and Bermuda is no exception.

“We have fought to overcome obstacles, but there are still significant inequalities that must be overcome and addressed.

“These gender inequalities continue to create bias in our community.

“Despite significant strides for gender equality in Bermuda over the past few decades, imbalance and disconnection continue in areas such as violence against women and gender rate and pay gaps, for example.”

She was speaking after she was guest speaker at the Bermuda Public Service Union’s International Women’s Day event.

Ms Furbert said the public should rally to celebrate women and speak out against bias more than once a year.

She added: “We must stand up every day and speak out on the issues that we know are biased.

“We must be willing to challenge inequality head on.

“I know this can seem difficult in such a small country, but as a community we can break the bias by challenging existing inequalities.”

Ms Furbert added that the public should take a stand against women being excluded from giving their views, all-male boards and committees, women not being shortlisted for jobs and workplace stereotypes.

She said: “As we reflect on the phenomenal women in our community, I want to encourage the people of Bermuda to make a difference, not just on International Women's Day, but every day.”