Broaden the discourse on rights for all
The arrival of severely disabled orphans to the island from Haiti yesterday, and the reactions from some Jamaicans on social media questioning the need to channel resources their way, reminded us that even with discussions and commitments to equality, justice, and dignity for all, one crucial point often overlooked in human rights discussions locally is eradicating the pervasive phenomenon of ‘othering’ that shapes attitudes and behaviours.
Here, as in many parts of the world, the issue of ‘othering’ remains a significant barrier to building an inclusive and equitable society. Treating individuals or groups as less than fully human reduces them to mere stereotypes or objects, dehumanising them. This helps to justify discrimination or exclusion. And, among those most affected are marginalised communities like the disabled, who often face discrimination and stigma on multiple fronts.
Some blame, we think, should be placed at the feet of those who believe that only one group of people, one sex, experiences struggles with equality and equity. Indeed, it is crucial to acknowledge that the struggle for equality and equity encompasses a diverse range of experiences beyond gender alone.
While the focus on women’s issues and rights is welcome in this Women’s Month, we must also recognise and address the intersecting forms of marginalisation that impact other groups from various backgrounds — like men, and boys, and girls, and the disabled, and any other group experiencing any form of rights violations.
Jamaica is a nation rich in diversity, yet, within this diversity lies intersecting systems of oppression that disproportionately affect marginalised communities.
While women face multifaceted challenges, we have to acknowledge that the issues go beyond the female sex. Ignoring these issues perpetuates inequality.
The covert or overt othering of those who are different, those perceived as not belonging, does not ensure inclusivity in human rights discussions. They do not align with Jamaica’s obligations under international human rights frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Only by promoting education, empathy, and awareness in the general population will we fully uphold our commitments enshrined in these instruments.
In our pursuit of gender equality we must broaden the discourse to include the voices and experiences of all marginalised groups in Jamaica. This means actively listening to their stories, acknowledging their experiences as integral to understanding the full spectrum of gender inequality, and crafting solutions that are truly inclusive and equitable.
We have to analyse how various systems, such as education, health care, and employment intersect to shape the lived experiences of the marginalised. By addressing these inequalities at their root we can create more sustainable solutions for change.
Building a more inclusive society requires collective action and solidarity from every one of us.
As we barrel towards the end of Women’s Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to broadening the discourse on rights for all. By centring the experiences of all marginalised people we move closer to realising a future in which every person in Jamaica can live free from discrimination, where every voice is heard, and every person’s rights are protected.