Females from a wide cross-section of Bermudian society will gather on the lawn at City Hall on Tuesday to commemorate International Women’s Day.

Bermuda Women’s Day will reflect the United Nations’ theme for 2016, “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”, focusing on how to accelerate women’s empowerment worldwide.

A morning Zumba class at 11.45am will kick-start the event, which will also feature women-owned businesses selling food and beverages.

From noon onwards, speakers and entertainers will share their views — including Progressive Labour Party MP and former Attorney-General Kim Wilson, singer Joy Barnum, US Consul General Mary Ellen Koenig, One Bermuda Alliance Senator Lynne Woolridge and Hamilton Re chief executive Kathleen Reardon.

Bermuda Women’s Day will benefit Paget-based charity the Women’s Resource Centre, which offers education, counselling and advocacy programmes to females of all ages.

Students from Bermuda High School will be collecting donations and contributions can also be made at www.premierticketsglobal.com.

“This day is not only about acknowledging achievements in gender equality, it’s also about addressing the challenges that are holding women and girls back from reaching their full potential,” said Carol-Ann Simmons, the executive director of the WRC.

“Commemorating the day is our way of stepping it up to make this happen. We believe that by supporting women, you’re fostering families and strengthening the whole community.”

•See www.facebook.com/bermudawomensday for full details