MONTEGO BAY, St James — Chief executive officer (CEO) of Sagicor Bank Limited Chorvelle Johnson has called on influential women in Montego Bay to support and empower each other rather than engaging in actions that hinder collective progress.

Speaking at the launch of Women of Western Jamaica (WOWJa) during a powerbrokers’ breakfast at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James on Thursday, Johnson emphasised the importance of unity among women in leadership.

The senior banker charged the membership of the newly-formed WOWJa to work to change the narrative.

“Now, can I say it straight up, we have to step up as women, and that’s what WOWJa is saying they’re going to do, and we have to hold you guys’ feet to the fire, because Jamaica needs that change,” she said.

“But we know there are several myths about women. Why [are] we so emotional, we make irrational decisions, we cannot work together for the common goal. Big one, we don’t support each other. Women are great, but not at top leadership position,” she added.

She challenged the audience to reflect on these stereotypes and commit to dispelling them.

“The reality is, women are powerful and capable leaders. But we must step up and hold each other accountable to ensure real change. That’s what WOWJa is committing to do, and it’s what Jamaica needs.”

Johnson questioned why women often face greater scrutiny in professional spaces, not from men, but from each other.

“And we ask the question why? Why is it that the men pull each other up faster? Why is it that the men always seem to be advancing in organisations?“

She stressed that men often bond and resolve disagreements quickly — over a drink, through clubs, or informal gatherings — while women can hold onto conflict for years.

“The men go for drinks, then the lodge, all of those things. And at the end of the day, even if dem will disagree with something, they drink. After the drink, they not even remember what dem disagree about. We women on the other hand, when we disagree about something, all 10 years later we can’t make up,” she said.

Despite the challenges, she acknowledged the progress Jamaican women have made in business and leadership.

“The facts are there. Jamaica stands out globally for its high proportion of women in leadership positions and women who run businesses,“ she said

“We determine the success of Jamaica. We determine the success of our country.“

Conceptualiser, Janet Silvera, shared that WOWJa was born out of frustration with seeing the same cycle repeat itself — women were either absent or remained silent in rooms where major decisions about money, business, and opportunities were made.

“I thought, why aren’t we negotiating deals together? Referring clients to each other? Creating pipelines of power, purpose and success for each other, right here in western Jamaica – the economic capital of the island,” she said.

“So, here we are. Not as a business group. Not as a political group. But as a sisterhood. This is how we are different: we’re not just networking – we are building something. We are mentoring. We are empowering. We are redirecting business to each other.“

The journalist revealed that the idea for the female movement was hatched some 15 years ago but has only now come to fruition.

Conceptualiser Janet Silvera shared that WOWJa was born out of frustration with seeing the same cycle repeat itself. (Horace Hines)