Column: Ball-Burgess On Representation & More
[Opinion column written by PLP Candidate Joanne Ball-Burgess]
The Progressive Labour Party is proud to have nominated a record number of women in this election—the highest in Bermuda’s history. It is significant to have a record number of women candidates, but beyond that, our country’s leaders in politics must embody the values that we stand for as a country by ensuring that policies are made with guidance from diverse voices, including both men and women, to reflect the unique needs of our communities.
From advancing women’s healthcare to strengthening protections against domestic violence, expanding economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs, and ensuring access to affordable housing, particularly for those seeking safety from abusive situations, we believe that women’s voices must guide the conversation on policy and implementation.
With strong representation, we are building a Bermuda where every woman has the opportunity to thrive. But we are not there yet. Until we achieve true gender parity—where at least 50% of candidates in all parties are women of varying ages, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and family structures—our work is not done.
Representation matters, not only for political balance but because it ensures that the unique health, economic, and social needs of our communities are addressed in transformative ways.
The United Nations recommends encouraging greater involvement of women who may be marginalized, including indigenous women, women with disabilities, women from rural areas, and women of any ethnic, cultural, or religious minority, in decision-making at all levels, and addressing and countering the barriers faced by marginalized women in accessing and participating in politics and decision-making at all levels [UN Women, 2025].
Women, especially Black women in Bermuda, are among the most educated and hardworking members of our society. They contribute significantly to the island’s workforce, yet their leadership remains underrepresented in the highest levels of decision-making. This must change.
True progress means recognizing that the fight for gender equality is ongoing, and that we must continue to fight and work for equity in society. The United Nations also recommends strongly encouraging political parties to remove all barriers that directly or indirectly discriminate against the participation of women, to develop their capacity to analyze issues from a gender perspective, and to adopt policies, as appropriate, to promote the ability of women to participate fully at all levels of decision-making within those political parties [UN Women, 2025].
We must also expand the conversation to include others who are on the margins of society—those who need support and a voice in our community and society. We must not only celebrate the achievements of women but actively work to ensure that they are given the space, resources, and opportunities to lead.
The next generation is watching, and it is our responsibility to create a Bermuda where every young girl knows that she has an equal chance to lead, shape policy, and build a brighter future for us all.
- Joanne Ball-Burgess, PLP Candidate for Constituency #25
For full coverage of the 2025 Election and past elections, visit the links below, with comprehensive coverage available on our network website BermudaElections.com, the leading source of data and election videos.
- All: Our coverage of the 2025 General Election here
- 2025 Candidates: List of the 109 candidates
- Constituencies: Data/past results of all 36 constituencies
- Videos: Over 200 videos spanning multiple elections here
- Official: The Government’s election website here
- Comprehensive: Our BermudaElection.com website here
Read More About
Category: All
I agree with much of what Ms. Ball says regarding the need to have our demographics more accurately represented in the political sphere.
However, I find much of what’s being said here quite perplexing as it doesn’t really seem to be consistent with her party line and its overarching rhetoric for much of the last 27 years. Even with the number of female candidates from the party in this election, I struggle to see the PLP as “representative” of Bermuda or “diverse” in the dictionary sense of those words.
That’s a positive development, yes. But not really convinced that the words about inclusivity and diversity necessarily align with the reality how of how the PLP conducts itself.
How many of the new women candidates being rolled out do they have in PLP safe seats? 2, 1 none?
Clearly an optical exercise only, in order to manipulate you for your vote.
Does it matter anyway, as their voices will be silent when it comes to matters that are not approved by Burt. Anyone ever hear backbenchers speak out?