KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said the Government, through the Bureau of Women’s Affairs and with support from UN Women, has crafted a draft National Strategic Action Plan to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence in Jamaica.
She explained in her message for International Women’s Day, celebrated March 8 each year, that the action plan is a comprehensive multi-sector plan and provides specific priority areas towards eliminating gender-based violence, and allocates responsibilities to key players for achieving these.
According to the Prime Minister, “Women’s full participation in decision-making and economic life across all sectors is essential to building sustainable livelihoods, a stronger economy and improving the quality of life for all in families, communities and the wider society”.
She said “the Government is working assiduously to ensure that our women and girls are empowered to participate in every area of our society and contribute holistically to the development of our nation.”
While Simpson Miller celebrated Jamaica’s ranking in a recent International Labour Organization Survey as having the greatest proportion of women managers and business leaders, she urged citizens to end all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls.
“I appeal to everyone to play their part to cause an end to all acts or practices of violence against women and girls, and gender-based violence, even as we seek to ensure a society that is safe and secure for all,” she said.