A cross-ministry team of the Public Service International Women’s Day Committee and Wellness Committee has been commended for going “above and beyond” in its work.

The team is the recipient of the March Public Service Excellence Award for its “outstanding work in organising a series of International Women’s Day engagement events that highlighted the impact that women make within the public service”.

Led by the Public Service International Women’s Day Committee, the series of activities was designed to engage women public officers and highlight the invaluable service they provide.

Cherie Whitter, the head of the public service, thanked the cross-ministry committees for their efforts.

She added: “Employee engagement is key to creating a productive and healthy workplace.

“The committee went above and beyond, and the series of events were excellent tools to engender the kind of camaraderie required to boost morale and by extension, increase productivity.

“Well done to the teams and on behalf of the entire public service executive, thank you for your tremendous efforts.”

From March 4 to March 8, the Government joined millions around the world in observing International Women’s Day, which is celebrated annually on March 8.

Highlights of the week included a public service panel discussion entitled Paving the First Path which featured women members of the service.

A broadcast of the panel was streamed internally to all public officers.

Another event highlight during the week was a Wellness Walk hosted by the Wellness Committee in partnership with the Public Service International Women’s Day Committee.

On March 6, several hundred women converged at the Cabinet Office for the wellness walk, which made its way through the streets of Hamilton.

Other local organisations have since requested to join the public service next year in the IWD celebrations.

David Burt said it was “remarkable” to witness so many women public servants come together to celebrate one another for International Women’s Day.

The Premier added: “We value each and every contribution of the women in the public service who are at all levels of government. They represent nearly half of our workforce and they are instrumental to the efficient operations of the government.

“The Public Service IWD events were also an opportunity to highlight the stories of resilience, determination and leadership of women who have carved out pioneering paths for themselves and others.”