Several women regarded as the first to serve in their respective careers in the Public Service will be featured on International Women’s Day, the Government has announced.

The year’s women’s day celebrations will be held under the “Inspire Inclusion” theme. In Bermuda, the spotlight this week will be placed on the important role of women in the Public Service, the Government said.

“When women are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and commitment,” Cherie Whitter, the Head of the Public Service, said.

She said this year’s theme is significant as it highlights the “the journey of women who have broken barriers and opened doors in domains traditionally dominated by men”.

The week serves as an opportunity to highlight the stories of women who, despite the odds “have carved out new paths for themselves and others”, she added.

A lunchtime wellness walk around Hamilton tomorrow will kick-start activities this week in the lead-up to International Women’s Day.

The walk, which may cause some traffic delays, starts in front of the Cabinet Office.

On Thursday, Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, will take part in a women’s empowerment table talk at lunchtime with young women leaders.

On International Women’s Day, on Friday, Ms Whitter and several other pioneers in the Public Service will take part in a panel discussion.

Cindy Clarke, Bermuda’s first woman Director of Public Prosecutions, Tami Ray, the island’s first woman senior ferry master, and Keeva Joell-Benjamin, Bermuda’s first woman Commissioner of Corrections, will take part in the talk.

The event will be livestreamed by the Public Service.

On Friday morning, the Crow Lane Roundabout in Paget will see women officers from the police, customs, corrections and the fire brigade out to greet commuters. They will be on the road from 7am.