PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller reaffirmed her government’s commitment to protecting the rights of women in a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The prime minister’s statement came almost on the eve of a 16-day period designated by the United Nations for promoting human rights around the world. The period begins Saturday with the annual celebration of the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women.

She was supported by the Opposition’s Olivia “Babsy” Grange, who criticised the lack of action in improving the condition of Jamaican women.

Simpson Miller recalled the United Nation’s message that violence against women, in whatever form, is considered a violation of their human rights. She said that the period – November 25 – December 10 – would be used, globally, to encourage activism against gender-based violence.

She noted that the period also included other significant dates such as World AIDS Day on December 1, and Human Rights Day on December 10.

The prime minister said that organisations and individuals around the world should call for the elimination of all forms of violence against women by raising gender-based violence issues at all levels. Simpson Miller said that she was happy that members of the House, on both sides, were wearing their (purple) ribbons, supporting the issue, and urged them to support the various activities.

“As a nation we have made a commitment to ensure that gender bias in any shape or form is eradicated, and a system put in place to protect the rights of all, including our women and our children,” she added.

Grange commended the prime minister for taking time to raise the issue in the House. However, she expressed concerns about the level of violence against Jamaican women as well as the conditions and circumstances under which they are forced to survive.

“They are the backbone of the country, but our women are economically deprived. They have to depend on a man to eat a food and, because they have to depend on a man to eat a food, they are often used, abused and refused,” she said.

She argued that Jamaican women were being mistreated emotionally and physically, and that something should be done to protect them from this type of treatment.