Many of the Island's most powerful and influential women have been honoured for their achievements in a special ceremony helping to mark Bermuda's 400th anniversary.

Pioneers such as former premiers Pamela Gordon and Dame Jennifer Smith, Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Neletha Butterfield and Shadow Health and Seniors Minister Louise Jackson were awarded at the 2009 Bermuda International Women's Leadership Awards at Fairmont Southampton.

The ceremony on Friday aimed to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women throughout Bermuda's history.

Other recipients included Fern Wade, Pamela Ferreira, Diana Kempe, Hillary Soares, Jean Charles, Sandy Butterfield and Michelle St. Jane. Unable to attend were Dr. Barbara Ball, Dr. Eva Hodgson, Merle Brock Swan-Williams and Deputy Premier Paula Cox.

Mrs. St. Jane, a lawyer and advocate for women's rights, noted the award was given exactly 114 years to the day that women from all walks of life gathered to petition against women's suffrage, on September 4, 1895.

Holding the petition in her hands, Mrs. St. Jane said: "This reminds us how far women have come in Bermuda.

"Tonight acknowledges many historic women but it beholds me to accept this award on behalf of those that are still disenfranchised.

"Those Bermuda women facing social injustices, who make a heroic effort to raise their families, go to work be it a second or third job tonight and continue their education."

Former Senator Dr. Cindy Trimm spoke not only of her own achievements, but those of others before her. She said: "Achievements never plateau, they are like mountain peaks. You get over one mountain peak and there is yet another, but achievement is the stuff that makes the world go around.

"It is that thing that drives the medical breakthroughs, the achievement that causes technological breakthroughs."

She continued: "I stand to acknowledge the achievement of all women, and those who lit the spark in me, my family, my friends, my colleagues and mentors, and those I admire most and those are the Bermudian women."

Dame Jennifer Smith, the Island's second female Premier thanked the people that paved the way for her.

She said: "I know it has been said many times, but each of us stands for the shoulders of those who fought for women to have rights, who broke barriers and paved the way for our success.

"I am here because of those that impacted my life; my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, mentors and friends, some of whom you have actually named tonight.

"I am the beneficiary of the sweat and toil, prayers and dreams, sacrifice and caring of a family, a school, a church and a community who nurtured my body and mind."

Educator Ruth Thomas considered it to be a "great honour" to be included in such a great company of women.

She said: "Our deeds are like stones cast into the pool of time. And though they themselves will disappear, their ripples extend to eternity."

The event, organised by Keetha Lowe, saw motivational speaker Patricia Russell-McCloud act out a one woman play for the awardees.

There were also performances by the Bermuda Choir, and former 'The Color Purple' singer Jeannette Bayardelle throughout the evening.