BUSINESS leaders are being encouraged to be more meaningful in efforts that foster gender equality, and even more specifically, female empowerment.

Highlighting examples from within her organisation, Flow Jamaica’s Latoy Lawrence joined prominent women advocating developmental support at the 10th Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) bell-ringing ceremony for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 on Friday, March 8.

The theme for IWD 2024 was ‘Inspire Inclusion’ and Lawrence, who is Flow’s head of marketing, pointed to the important role of corporate Jamaica in promoting gender equality and inspiring inclusivity by setting the pace for female advancement.

“It’s a day to honour the progress we’ve made, acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, and reaffirm our commitment to accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment,” said Lawrence.

She referenced women who are leaders in the Jamaican society, such as JSE Managing Director Marlene Street Forrest, and Rear Admiral Antonette Weymss-Gorman, chief of staff of the Jamaica Defence Force, “and countless other women in the public and private sector”, while signalling their “remarkable contributions and enduring resilience”.

Some of those leaders were present at the function that was also streamed live from the JSE’s headquarters in downtown Kingston.

They included Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange; Patricia Duncan-Sutherland, president of the People’s National Party Women’s Movement; Angie Martinez, Dominican Republic ambassador to Jamaica; and Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay, head of the Corporate Communications Unit, Jamaica Constabulary Force.

According to Lawrence, studies have shown greater economic growth and development for countries with greater gender equality practices. She, however, did not mention any of the studies.

Flow, she said, as a way of inspiring general perspectives and behaviours, has deep commitment to accelerating gender equality and articulated company initiatives that show “concrete action and meaningful change to empower women at every level of our organisation.

At Flow, 63 per cent of the company’s senior leadership are women, and 52 per cent of people managers are also women, she said.

“We believe that diverse leadership teams are not only more reflective of our communities, but also better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape,” Lawrence stated.

“Let us recommit ourselves to the cause of gender equality with renewed vigour and determination,” she challenged her audience. “Let us stand in solidarity with women everywhere, amplifying our voices, championing their rights, and working together to build a future where every woman counts.”