The Progressive Labour Party has highlighted its record of support for women and faulted the Opposition’s performance in office.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, and a candidate for Constituency 4, said the party valued women, especially the overlooked.

At a press conference at Alaska Hall yesterday, she said: “The PLP’s vision is bold but it is also simple.

“A Bermuda where every woman, regardless of ability, age or background, has the freedom and ability to succeed.”

Ms Furbert was joined by Crystal Caesar, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and a candidate for Constituency 31, and Lindsay Simmons, who served as a government senator.

Ms Furbert said the island’s women faced unique challenges, adding that some were single parents holding down several jobs for their families.

She said the PLP government tailored healthcare services to meet women’s specific needs, ensuring dignity and independence.

She pointed to the party’s support for seniors through increased pensions, delivering peace of mind to the elderly.

Ms Caesar said the party brought economic empowerment for women through the programmes of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation.

She said: “These programmes are opening doors for women who want to do for self, support their families, building wealth, create jobs and contribute to our economy.”

She said the PLP government expanded access to job training and scholarships, recognising the needs of women changing careers, re-entering the workforce or facing other challenges.

She said the One Bermuda Alliance, while in office, did little to address the barriers women faced.

Ms Caesar said the February 18 General Election was about “choice”, adding that the PLP cared about uplifting women.

Ms Simmons noted that the PLP government introduced “groundbreaking” domestic violence programmes to strengthen protection for survivors.

She added: “This includes increased funding for shelters and greater access to counselling and legal support.

“These are not just policies, these are lifelines for women and families who often have nowhere else to turn.”

Ms Furbert said: “We are not just a government about talking.

“We are acting on what we said we will deliver upon.”

Asked what social services needed attention, she said affordable housing sat on the front burner.

She said the PLP government pledged to add more than 70 affordable housing units to the market, with a goal of increasing that number to 100.

She added: “It does not stop there — that will be a constant goal.”