KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) Women’s Movement is celebrating 50 years since women entered active military service in the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), highlighting their contribution to nation building and the strides made towards gender parity.

August marks the 50th anniversary of the historic entry of women into active military service, with the first four women enlisted on August 11, 1976, the PNP Women’s Movement said in a press release.

The release noted that the pioneering women went on to pave the way for hundreds of others to serve in various units across the JDF in operational, technical and administrative roles.

It noted that 1975 was the International Year of the Woman, during which then President of the PNP Women’s Movement, Beverley Manley Duncan, publicly advocated for women to be allowed to serve in the JDF through former Prime Minister Michael Manley.

Manley Duncan said the milestone was “one of the achievements of Jamaican Women that I am proud of as we continue to move towards gender parity in our country”.

She added that she looked forward to joining the women of the JDF at their Gala and Awards Ceremony.

Current President of the PNP Women’s Movement, Patricia Duncan Sutherland congratulated and commended the women who have served and continue to serve in the JDF.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations and commendation to all the women who have served and continue to serve in one of our nation’s most noble institutions,” she said. “You have not only contributed to nation building but have served as an example to many young Jamaican women to demonstrate that our potential as women is limitless and our impact is far reaching and touches all spheres of our society.”

The movement also highlighted Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, the Chief of Defence Staff, describing her position as “a powerful testament to the remarkable strides women have made in service to our nation”.

It noted that since the first cohort of servicewomen passed out, women have continued to break barriers, excel in their fields and make significant contributions to Jamaica’s development.

“When women have the opportunity to serve, lead, and excel, the entire nation benefits,” the movement said.

It also saluted the women of the JDF, past and present, for their “discipline, commitment, loyalty and courage” as Jamaica continues to move towards gender parity.