THE Women’s Media Watch (WMW) on Tuesday awarded 14 women for their indelible contribution to religion, politics, justice, education, film and the media.

Among the awardees were Opposition leader Portia Simpson Miller who, along with Syringa Burnett-Marshall and Evelyn Smart, was recognised for her contribution to politics.

In 2006 Simpson Miller became Jamaica’s first female prime minister.

Chief Justice Zaila McCalla – the first woman to become chief judge – and Director of Public Prosecution Paula Llewelyn, also a first in her field, were praised for their contribution to the justice system.

Professor Barbara Bailey was hailed for her contribution to education and gender affairs, while Barbara Gloudon and Jean Lowrie-Chin were awarded for their contribution to the media. Gloudon was also praised for her work in theatre, so too was Lana Finikin, one of the founding members of the Sistren Theatre Collective.

The other awardees included:

. Rev Carmen Stewart, first woman bishop and custos of

St Andrew;

. Helene Davis-Whyte, trade union activist and the general secretary of the Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers;

. Linette Vassell, for her contribution to the Women’s Resource and Outreach Centre;

. Ionie Whorms, who runs a rehab care and support facility from her home, and who has worked with drug users and children with HIV; and

. Cynthia Wilmot, for her contribution to the film industry.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Gloudon said she was of the belief that Jamaicans stil do not recognise “the strength of our women”.

“Look at the women here tonight and the contributions each one has made. It shows that women have value. But some women have fallen into ruin. All of us (who have been awarded) have to bring another woman with us,” she said.

But she lamented the fact that there were still some women who are “selling themselves for nothing”.

“Women are getting bad name because some women have sold themselves for nothing – one piece of Kentucky with a Pepsi. We need to show that women have values. If you don’t have a man, before you hug up mango tree live alone,” Gloudon urged. “Don’t let any man let you do certain things. When a young girl takes up a big man and find out that he has another woman and plunges a knife into the woman – it nuh worth it!”

Another focus for the event was the effect of sexual harassment at the workplace. And, as MC for the evening, Fae Ellington pointed out that harrassment takes place at every level of our society, even in Parliament.

Tuesday’s event also facilitated the unveiling of the WMW’s 21st anniversary logo.