KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, is the recipient of the 2025 Commonwealth Parliamentary Equality and Diversity Award, in recognition of her work of advancing gender equality and social justice in Jamaica.

She is the first Jamaican parliamentarian to receive an award from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). This particular award honours a parliamentarian who has shown significant leadership in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within their legislature and broader community, according to the CPA. It acknowledges Minister Grange’s sustained efforts within Jamaica and internationally to champion gender equality, women’s leadership, youth engagement, and disability inclusion.

A statement issued by the Jamaican Parliament notes that in her 33-year political career, Minister Grange has played a central role in creating a more inclusive society through the development and implementation of legislation, policies, and programmes such as the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act, 2021.

“These initiatives reflect her commitment to strengthening protections for women, youth, and vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.

“Her work also includes ongoing public education campaigns that challenge harmful stereotypes and promote positive representations of gender. Through the Bureau of Gender Affairs, Minister Grange has advanced the National Policy for Gender Equality and the National Strategic Action Plan to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence, and has established state-run shelters and helplines for survivors of gender-based violence,” it said.

Responding to the award, Grange said, “An equitable society can only exist when its members are afforded the opportunity to maximise their potential without fear or restrictions. That has been my life’s purpose and I am humbled by this recognition of my efforts in that regard.

“I thank the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association for this award. I am honoured and truly grateful.”

The award was presented at the recently-concluded 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados and affirms Grange’s role as a regional leader on equality and inclusion.

It was received on her behalf by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Juliet Holness.

– Lynford Simpson