PRIME Minister Andrew Holness says the Government will be launching a national campaign against violence.

Addressing the launch of a HeForShe Jamaica campaign — an initiative to promote gender equality — on the lawns of Jamaica House on Wednesday, Holness said the issue of violence in Jamaica is critical and requires immediate attention.

“Violence is far too [often] accepted as a currency in social transactions in Jamaica. [It] is far too easy to be used as a means of resolving conflicts,” he noted.

The prime minister said a large part of the problem is the use of violence and abuse in relationships, and against women in particular, a trend against which the Government is taking a firm stand.

Holness added that following discussions with members of his political party, he is satisfied that politicians are aware of the gravity of the problem, which will enable the necessary political force that can translate into policy, law and operations of the State.

“We have an opportunity now to address this and I am pleased to be associated with this initiative,” he said.

HeForShe is a global campaign created by UN Women, the United Nations organisation dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Launched in 2014, it seeks to provide a targeted platform on which boys and men can engage and become change agents towards the achievement of gender equality.

The aim is to mobilise one billion men in cities, communities and villages around the world through the use of innovative online, offline and mobile phone technology.

The local leg of the campaign is being implemented by Digicel Foundation and Respect Jamaica.

Prime Minister Holness said he is pleased to lend his support to the campaign and to men taking a stance on violence against women.

“I have always been and will continue to be an advocate for equality amongst the sexes. I believe in gender equality,” he said, noting that the Government takes the issue very seriously.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, as well as Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, were among the dignitaries present at the launch. It was also attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from international development organisations and members of the business and academic communities.

— JIS