KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange says that her ministry will be undertaking research on masculinity and other issues affecting men.

Grange told the House of Representatives yesterday that this is necessary to better understand the problems of men.

“They will provide information on men’s health and well-being, and employability, and will undertake public education and capacity building in such areas as men and parenting, men and education, and of extreme importance, the role of men in the elimination of gender-based violence,” the minister said.

“The apparent marginalization of men in our society is a matter to be addressed. It has been noted that approximately 60 percent off our men are functionally literate, while close to 70 percent of all violent crimes are committed by men between the ages of 15-29 years,” she noted.

“This speaks to the need for action to counter this trend. As Minister with responsibility for Gender, I am committed to play my part,” she stated.

Grange said that gender equality requires equal enjoyment by women and men of all socially valued goods, opportunities, resources and rewards afforded by one’s citizenship.

She pointed out that the World Bank, in its Gender Equality and Development Report, had asserted that:

“Gender equality is a core development objective in its own right… it is smart economics…Greater gender equality can enhance productivity [and] improve development outcomes for the next generation.”

According to her, the prompt name change, on her return, of the Bureau of Women’s Affairs to Bureau of Gender Affairs, is to facilitate an inclusive approach to the promotion of gender equality in its true sense.

“They will provide information on men’s health and wellbeing, and employability, and will undertake public education and capacity building in such areas as men and parenting, men and education, and of extreme importance, the role of men in the elimination of gender-based violence,” the minister said.

Balford Henry