PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller says the disrespect shown to women in song lyrics and in the media remains a challenge to be overcome.

In a statement marking International Women's Day, being celebrated today, Simpson Miller called on all Jamaicans to reflect on the positive developments women have made, but cautioned that there was still more to be done.

"When we look at the strides women are making we can take heart, but we cannot take leave. There are still big challenges to overcome," the prime minister said.
She listed some of the challenges as domestic violence, sexual violence and the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The prime minister also called for an end to all forms of violence against women, in keeping with the theme for the day: 'Ending impunity for violence against women'.

"On this day, let us also honour and treasure the women of the nation, from those doing community work and serving in their churches to those cutting and carving to make the house money to stretch as they single-handedly support their children," Simpson Miller said.

The prime minister also urged men to join the efforts to end violence against women, a call supported by Harold Robinson, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative for the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean.

"The UNFPA pays tribute to the men and women who are working to change the situation," Robinson said in a statement marking International Women's Day. "We acknowledge efforts by the Jamaican Government to address this problem with the passage of the Domestic Violence Act and introduction of other important pieces of legislation, such as an Act to amend the Offences Against the Person Act to make the response to sexual offences more gender sensitive and the Child Care and Protection [Act] to name a few."

The prime minister said, however, that "passing laws is not enough" and that nothing would change until all Jamaicans take a stance against "those who continue to beat, rape, murder and carnal[ly] abuse the women and children in our society."

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