Celebrating the Legacy and Leadership of PLP Women
by Alexa Lightbourne, PLP Candidate for Constituency 14, Devonshire North West
Throughout history, women have been the bedrock of our communities, their strength and unwavering determination shaping our society in profound ways. From the inception of the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) to the present day, PLP women have been instrumental in building a fairer, stronger Bermuda.
Their contributions are woven into the very fabric of our history, reflecting a legacy of resilience, leadership, and progress.
Women Leading the Way in the PLP
The PLP’s women have played pivotal roles in shaping Bermuda’s political landscape.
🔹 Branch members, branch chairs, and executive leaders
🔹 National policymakers and trailblazers in government
🔹 Balancing public service, family life, and youth education
Their determination and pioneering spirit have set new standards of excellence, breaking barriers and venturing into uncharted territories once deemed unattainable for women.
As the PLP nominates a record number of women candidates in this year’s election, we pause to honour those on whose shoulders we stand—women who not only supported the PLP but also paved the way for the advancement of all women in Bermuda.
Honouring Our Trailblazers
Dame Lois Browne-Evans: A Political and Legal Powerhouse
Dame Lois Browne-Evans was a trailblazer in Bermuda's political and legal arenas, achieving historic firsts that continue to inspire generations:
✔️ First woman elected as a Member of Parliament
✔️ Bermuda’s first female lawyer
✔️ First Black woman elected to Bermuda’s Parliament
✔️ First female Opposition Leader in the British Commonwealth
✔️ First female Attorney General in Bermuda
Her leadership, courage, and vision transformed Bermuda’s political landscape, opening doors for countless women to follow in her footsteps.
Dame Jennifer Smith: Bermuda’s First Female Premier
Dame Jennifer Smith made history as:
✔️ Bermuda’s first female Senator
✔️ The first PLP Premier, leading the party to victory in 1998
✔️ The island’s first directly elected female Premier
Her leadership was bold and transformative, establishing Bermuda’s first and only all-women Governor’s Council, which included herself as Premier and Attorney General Dame Lois Browne-Evans.
The Hon. Paula Cox: Breaking Barriers in Parliament
The Hon. Paula Cox was:
✔️ The youngest woman elected to Parliament
✔️ The first female Minister of Labour, Home Affairs, and Public Safety
✔️ One of four women appointed to the PLP’s first Cabinet
Her dedication to governance and social justice set a precedent for future generations of female leaders.
Honouring All Women Who Move Bermuda Forward
Today, we honour not only these trailblazers but also the countless women whose unwavering commitment has been instrumental in advancing progress for women in Bermuda.
Together, we must explore new heights and be fearless in our pursuit of having our voices heard. Each day, we must uplift, empower, and celebrate our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and friends.
💚 I am proud to be a PLP Woman. Together, we will continue to shape history.