Culture Corner: Honouring Contributions and Influential Women in Bermuda for Women’s History Month
Women’s history month is annually recognised celebrated in the month of March. The origin of women’s history month dates back to 1978 in California when the Education Task Force of Sonoma Country Commission on the Status of Women planned a “Women's History Week” celebration which later developed in women’s history month.
Women’s history month is used to honour celebrate the contributions of women in society. Each year in women’s history month the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women throughout society are celebrated. There is also international women’s day which takes place on March 8.
Women’s history month is so important for many reasons. It highlights the achievements of both women in the past and present who have helped to mould society. It is also a way of educating and inspiring present and future generations. Women’s history month is also used as a time of reflection on how all gender inequality can be removed because of its large role in society.
As a way of celebrating women’s history month, it is important to remember the women who have had significant impacts on society:
Mary Prince was the first female Bermudian to publish an autobiography about her life as an enslaved woman. She is so significant because of how hard she fought for the freedom of black people.
Dame Lois Browne-Evans who was an unstoppable force. She was not only Bermudas first female lawyer, but she was also the first black female Parliamentarian, first female Attorney General and first female Opposition Leader for not only Bermuda but the whole of the British Commonwealth. Furthermore, she was always at the forefront of change and worked tirelessly throughout her life to eliminate racial discrimination and create a Bermuda in which all could benefit equally.
Dame Flora Duffy is a triathlete who has represented Bermuda in many competitions. Dame Flora Duffy has competed in multiple of the Olympics, Beijing, London, Rio de Janeiro and finally Tokyo. When Dame Flora Duffy won a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics it was Bermuda’s first ever gold medal at the Olympics. She then went on to win many competitions and continues to compete. She has inspired many generations of Bermudians and is extremely influential.
There are many influential women in Bermuda that have shaped Bermuda’s society, not just notable figures like Mary Prince, Dame Lois Browne-Evans, and Dame Flora Duffy but we should also recognize the countless unsung heroines whose dedication and resilience have shaped our country. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women’s rights and work towards a future where gender equality is not just a dream but a reality for all.