A diverse array of speakers outlined their vision for future gender equality today as part of Bermuda Women’s Day.

The event, which was held from 11.45am outside City Hall, reflected the United Nations’ 2016 theme for International Women’s Day: “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”.

Among the women who shared their hopes and predictions for the world in 2030 were Linda Parker, principal of the Bermuda High School for Girls.

Ms Parker said she looked forward to the day when the adjective “female” was no longer a qualifier for jobs such as president or physicist.

“Gender will not be a part of the conversation rather than intelligence, resourcefulness or resilience,” she told the crowd.

“This is how we will know that we have created meaningful and long-lasting change.”

Progressive Labour Party MP and former Attorney-General Kim Wilson also spoke of her vision for the year 2030, “where socially construed gender roles are relics of the past”.

“The women whose shoulders we stand on today will look down and smile upon us, and know that we have continued in their struggle to ensure that gender equality is in the mainstream,” she added.

Caroline Carrington from the International Women’s Club of Bermuda took to the podium to share her hope for a future in which women were “100 per cent free from violence, domestic servitude and ownership”.

She added: “They are free to attend school and college, they are financially independent and they are free to decide when, and whether, to start a family, and with whom.

“We pledge to teach our sons, brothers and husbands the value of us as equals. Gender equality is not a female or a male issue, it is a human right.”

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