THE 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence came to an end Saturday, with the observation of Human Rights Day, celebrated under the theme ‘Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All’. The day promotes the common standard of rights for all — like the right to liberty, to protection from abuse, and to protection under the law. Women’s rights as human rights ensures that in all spaces there’s the elimination of all forms of violence and discrimination against women.

While these issues may be less pronounced locally compared to other regions where women regularly suffer violations of their human rights, it doesn’t mean that Jamaica doesn’t have a ways to go. But as we recognise Human Rights Day, here are some ways advocates have been working, and have worked, to make women’s rights human rights.

Protection of rights under the law

Government continues to work to strengthen legislation aimed at keeping gender issues as the focus and eliminating acts of violence against women. These include:

• Domestic Violence Act 1995, amended by the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Act 2004

• Sexual Offences Act 2009

• Child Pornography (Prevention) Act 2009

• Offences against the Person Act.

These laws create a wide range of remedies aimed at preventing domestic violence, offering greater protection for children, widening the range of persons who can seek relief, and protecting those who are vulnerable and marginalised.

Global commitments

Jamaica is a signatory to several regional and international agreements to reaffirm the country’s commitment to gender equality and equity. These include:

•The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW 1981)

•The Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence Against Women (Belem do Para Convention) (1994)

•The Beijing Platform for Action (1995)

•The Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality (2005-2015)

Jamaica has also initiated several programmes with international support to tackle gender violence and to ensure that victims have safe environments for recovery.

The lobby for change

Through the work of advocates in non-governmental organisations, the private sector, and Government, the country has made tremendous strides in the fight against gender inequality. This is reflected in the country’s national policies, programmes, and plans of action.

Jamaica’s example in seeking to establish men and women on an equal footing as well as Government’s policies and legislative initiatives is a proven global standard, especially in the area of workplace gender equality

Increasing women’s political participation

The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport opened a debate in the House of Representatives on December 6 on a motion for the amendment of the standing orders to establish the Bicameral Caucus of Women Parliamentarians.

The caucus will provide a collaborative space for all women parliamentarians, regardless of party affiliation, to facilitate dialogue on issues of women’s rights and gender equality and undertake actions to positively impact the inclusiveness of the legislature and legislative process. It followed a weekend training retreat of women Members of Parliament and senators focused on promoting women’s political participation, gender equality concepts in relation to legislative work, ongoing gender equality initiatives in Jamaica, as well as opportunities for collaboration among women parliamentarians on priority issues.

This activity was made possible with the support of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative and the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.

The retreat was a response to the request for training by women parliamentarians towards achieving inclusive and effective outcomes for their constituents and the continued implementation of the National Policy for Gender Equality (2011).

Sexual and reproductive health and rights

Early sexual activity, combined with a lack of relevant information, services, and skills to avoid risky situations, has placed young people at risk of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and other threats to their sexual and reproductive health. Work continues towards the completion of a Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy for Jamaica, which will, among other things, mitigate barriers that prevent access to health services, especially among adolescents and vulnerable groups, such as people living with HIV.

The right to safety

Government, through the Gender Ministry and the Bureau of Gender Affairs, has been delivering improved access to services for trauma survivors as well as continued care.

The establishment of national and regional shelters for victims has been a key achievement after decades, to provide greater protection to women and their children.