Earlier this week (March 4), the Public Service hosted an International Women’s Day (IWD) Wellness Fair at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI), bringing together women from across the Public Service for an afternoon focused on wellbeing, empowerment, and connection.
International Women’s Day, observed globally on March 8, each year, celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” underscores the power of generosity, compassion, and mutual support in strengthening individuals, workplaces, and communities.
Held under the banner “The Power of Her Impact: Women Lifting Women,” the Wellness Fair featured expert presentations and discussions centred on mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. The programme included sessions on recognising burnout and protecting mental health, understanding menopause, planning for financial security through pensions, navigating Social Insurance benefits, and building healthier nutrition habits.
Attendees also participated in a fireside chat on managing overwhelm and making meaningful personal and professional changes, followed by a testimonial panel where women leaders shared personal stories of resilience, growth, and success.
Head of the Public Service, Cherie Whitter, who welcomed attendees and participated in the programme, spoke to the significance of this year’s theme and the collective strength of women in the Public Service.
She said, “Today marks another day in what has become an annual time of celebration on the public service calendar, a time to recognise the outstanding contributions of the women in the service. We gather today as equals, women supporting women under the inspiring theme, ‘Give to Gain.’
“This theme highlights the idea that generosity and compassion create a cycle of positive energy, growth, and reward, what we give to others comes back to us in the form of stronger relationships, deeper fulfilment, and shared success. To our families, we give time, compassion, and wisdom. To our careers, we give commitment, creativity, and determination. Within the organisations we serve, we give vision and support.”
Ms Whitter continued, “As we reflect on the many ways we support each other, it’s important to recognise another essential truth: in order to give wholeheartedly to those around us, we must first nurture and care for ourselves. Giving to ourselves is not selfish, it is necessary. Self‑care is not a luxury; it is a right and a responsibility. So today, I encourage every woman here to give herself permission, to rest, to grow, and to dream. Prioritise your health, your happiness, your finances, and your aspirations. Let us honour the importance of self‑care, not just for ourselves, but for everyone who looks to us for inspiration.”
And the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, who attended the health fair reflected on the importance of supportive relationships saying, “International Women’s Day is also about relationships. Men supporting women. Women supporting men. Women supporting women. The way you treat people is often the way they will treat you, at home, at work, and across this country. Today reminds us that when we choose respect, kindness, and understanding, we create spaces where women feel seen, valued, and empowered to lead. Our progress as a community is shaped not only by policies and programmes, but by the everyday moments when we lift each other up, speak life into one another, and stand together with purpose. When we honour each other’s journeys, we strengthen our own. And when we invest in the wellbeing of women, we invest in the wellbeing of Bermuda.”
As part of the continued recognition of International Women’s Day, the Government will host a second event today, March 6, the IWD Wellness Walk, taking place in Hamilton from 12.00 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. Interested participants are invited to gather at the Cabinet Office and join in the festivities as the Public Service comes together once again to celebrate wellness, connection, and community.
The Government of Bermuda thanks all speakers, panellists, and participants who contributed to the success of the Wellness Fair and reaffirms its commitment to promoting wellbeing, knowledge‑sharing, and support among women across the Public Service and throughout Bermuda.