Letter of the Day | I will remain a champion for gender equality

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Here in Jamaica, and around the world, women have been a critical engine for economic growth and development. From every perspective, it is only right that our society be an equitable and just one.

I am committed to continue to champion the building of a world where women can be agents of change, to creating a more inclusive society, where women and girls are empowered to achieve their full potential. Jamaica supports the United Nations initiative ‘Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030’, which promotes the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 5, to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. I am also a member of the recently launched EU-LAC Foundation Women’s Network which, among other matters, treats with Climate Action and Disaster Prevention – both of paramount importance to women, given their disproportionate impact on us.

But, despite global efforts and progress, women continue to face a particular set of challenges. Too many of our women and girls remain victims of gender-based violence, various forms of discrimination, as well as the scourge of human trafficking. Gender discrimination and inequality can run the gamut from violent, implicit to ineffable. And, assuredly, women continue to face daily challenges in society and in the workplace.

We must all reaffirm our commitment to fight gender bias and harassment – something that I, and indeed the vast majority of us, have experienced first-hand in one way or another. It was deeply disappointing to read a recently published article purporting to address Commonwealth leadership but which sought, instead, to denigrate efforts to stand up against some of these very manifestations of discrimination, bias and harassment. The World Economic Forum’s programme focusing on women calls on all of us to “actively call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping each time you see it”. Let us heed that call.

As a country, we are committed to the achievement of gender equality, equity and women’s economic empowerment. Jamaica continues to develop and implement a gender-sensitive national framework, policies and development plans. We have worked hard to enact legislation that addresses violence against women, children and other vulnerable groups, including the passing of sexual harassment legislation and strengthening of protection under Child Care and Protection Act, the Sexual Offences Act and the Domestic Violence Act. Jamaica has employed a multi-sectoral lens to addressing cultural biases that impede the advancement of gender equality. We boast one of the highest percentages of women managers, not only in the region but in the world, with 59 per cent of all managers being female. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I lead a team comprising 75 per cent women, and I am proud of the work we have done together to date to highlight Jamaica’s achievements on the international stage.

I will remain a champion of gender equality for the promotion of a world of peace, security and prosperity for women – at every level of society, and everywhere across the globe. As I continue my campaign for appointment as secretary-general of the Commonwealth, I will continue to promote the issues that impinge on women’s rights and gender equality. We will make our voices heard, we will act to resist actions of abuse, until the desired level of response is achieved. The world needs to be a just place for men and women, boys and girls alike.

KAMINA JOHNSON SMITH