Bermuda International Business Association chief executive officer Cheryl Packwood gave the keynote speech at an International Women's Day conference.

The one day Bermuda Business and Professional Women's Association (BPW) conference, held on Friday, saw 50 women attend to celebrate the impact women have had on Bermuda's society.

Ms Packwood spoke on "Building a Strong and Competitive Corporate Culture". She said was important for companies to get involved in the community by sponsoring local teams, supporting shelters, or raising funds for charities.

Giving time instead of money would have more of an impact, she added. "Employees who spend their time giving back to the community will reap dividends toward the institution's credibility and trustworthiness," Ms Packwood said. "It is imperative that the community believe that your sponsorship is from the heart.

"The management must make every effort to attend events in the community and hand out prizes and talk to people. A cheque is great but the person behind the cheque is superior and those who volunteer time to assist are equally valued as those with deep pockets."

International Women's Day has been observed on March 8 since in the early 1900s, and thousands of events are held around the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. It is an official holiday in countries such as Russia and Vietnam.

Ms Packwood paid tribute to International Women's Day, concluding by saying, "There is still more to build upon; but there is certainly much to celebrate.

"Today, we have Hillary Clinton with a realistic chance at the White House, Ellen Sirleaf Johnson as president of Liberia, Cristina Fernandez as President of Argentina, and, well, you and me talking about how to make the corporate culture successful because you know what? We count."