KINGSTON, Jamaica — In recognition of International Women’s Day yesterday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness called on the nation to end the culture of sexual grooming.

Speaking at a luncheon put on to mark International Women’s Day with women in leadership in the country, the prime minister urged Jamaicans to reject the permissible culture that has become normalised in some sectors of the society.

The prime minister said the culture of grooming where older men live with and financially support young school aged girls for sex, and prey on young children must be exposed.

“We can’t close our eyes to that. The State should intervene and the man be brought before the courts. He is not doing the family a favour or the country a favour. Our courts must take stronger action when these things are brought before them,” declared Holness.

During the luncheon, issues such as violence against women and children, grooming, violation of a woman’s right, incest, financial literacy, independence and mentorship were among the topics discussed.

Holness also called on parents to teach young boys that they are not entitled to touch as they please and they must respect women’s body and space.

“We are trying to build a new Jamaica. One in which we will have to challenge these long held cultural norms and say that they are not right; and that they are holding us back; and they are literally the basis of the normalisation of violence,” said Holness.

He stated that gender issues are spread across several sectors and people should be sensitised to address issues that may be presented.

The prime minister’s Women’s Day luncheon was held in the Banquet Hall at Jamaica House. Approximately 40 women across several sectors were invited to discuss issues affecting women.

International Women’s Day was celebrated under the theme ‘Be Bold for Change’.