IN its continued observance of International Women’s Day 2026, the human rights group Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) on Thursday recognised four women for their contributions to addressing long-standing gaps in Jamaica’s gender policy and legislative framework, as well as their efforts to reduce gender inequality.

Patrick Lalor, policy and advocacy officer at JASL, told the Jamaica Observer that describing the awards as well deserved was an understatement. He pointed out that the four women have dedicated their existence to the improvement of the lives of females across the island.

“We use this opportunity to honour these four women who have contributed significantly to the improvement of conditions for women and girls in Jamaica. For over a decade they have consistently advocated for the review, repeal and enactment of legislation in strengthening protections for various groups of women and girls who remain disproportionately affected by various forms of violence,” said Lalor.

Among the honorees was gender advocate Ambassador Aloun Ndombet-Assamba who was thrilled at being recognised.

“I told a friend of mine, Miss Doreen who lives in the UK [United Kingdom], that I was coming into Kingston — in spite of my walking challenges — because of this honour that I was going to receive because I think it is so important,” said Ndombet-Assamba after accepting the award at JASL’s International Women’s Day Forum and Award Ceremony at Summit Hotel in St Andrew.

Ndombet-Assamba, a former Member of Parliament who also served as Jamaica’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom, has consistently lent her voice to gender equality advocacy efforts, including public education on violence against women.

She said her advocacy against gender-based violence is deeply rooted in personal experience, which she shared publicly at a time when such issues were rarely discussed.

“When I first spoke about this matter I had absolutely no idea that I was going to do it. I remember stepping up from behind the podium and saying to the 500 people gathered at the [Jamaica] Pegasus hotel that day, ‘Look at me, do I look as if I have been beaten by my husband to you?’ That day, you could hear a pin drop because nobody spoke about this. And I’m very glad that I did,” said Ndombet-Assamba.

The JASL award was a surprise for Deputy Superintendent of Police Jacqueline Dillon who has served the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for more than three decades, during which time she held responsibility for the oversight and coordination of domestic violence intervention centres.

“I am very happy to receive this award. We have worked closely with JASL for the last four years since we established the domestic violence intervention centres, and as a matter of fact, JASL is one of our partners. Just to say, like you madam, I also got into domestic violence prevention by sheer accident,” she said in response to Ndombet-Assamba’s disclosure.

Honoured for her “unwavering commitment, leadership, and contribution to improving the response to gender-based violence in Jamaica”, Dillion, JASL pointed out, played a key role in the implementation of the JCF Domestic Violence Road Tour — an initiative that took awareness and sensitisation on gender-based violence to communities across the island.

“I enjoy helping people, and I believe that as law enforcement we have a role in prevention,” said Dillion as she added that the JCF will continue making its mark in reducing domestic violence incidents in Jamaica.

Fellow honoree Joy Crawford, co-founder and executive director of Eve for Life, which provides comprehensive support to adolescent girls and young women, was also blown away by her award.

“I do believe that when you are honoured in your own country it is meaningful so for me, this is an award that says, ‘Within my peer group, within my community, I am honoured, and that makes me feel very special,” said Crawford.

“I was thinking about how did I get here? Why do I get up every morning? Two years ago I said I was retiring but really, it’s about the wind beneath my wings… I can’t quit. So I want to thank JASL for honouring me. I thank the community and all of you here for saying I have value and I’m valued. So, thank you very, very much,” added Crawford.

She noted that Eve for Life’s work includes human rights, public health, and social justice while advancing innovative, community-based responses to gender-based violence.

JASL also recognised Joyce Hewitt, a pioneering gender advocate and former head of Woman Inc — one of the island’s leading organisations which provides support to survivors of gender-based violence.

Established in 1984, Woman Inc’s mandate is to provide a place of solitude for women who need to escape their situations not just for the moment, but long term. Hewitt spent years at the forefront of that fight.