Change is possible & change is happening

‘We are guided by a founding principle of the United Nations: the equal rights of men and women,’ Michelle Bachelet, UN Women executive director said on Friday, to mark the world celebration of International Woman’s Day (IWD).

“All around the world, our voices are rising, and silence and indifference are declining. Change is possible. And change is happening.”

She said there is now hope, because awareness and action are rising for women’s rights.

“A belief is growing that enough is enough,” she added.

On Friday, various groups locally and overseas staged different events to mark the day, celebrated to highlight gender issues and the struggles and advances of women world over.

Here are some highlights.

Soroptimists speak out about human trafficking

As the Soroptimist International (Jamaica) celebrates 50 years of working on behalf of women and girls in Jamaica, the Kingston Chapter has been on a mission to increase awareness and raise consciousness concerning the distressing practice of human trafficking, which is the illegal trading of human beings at the local and global levels.

They have given talks and presentations on trafficking in schools, children’s homes, libraries, churches and women’s groups.

In recognition of International Women’s Day, with its focus on the elimination of violence against women, they sought to again draw attention to the plight of women and girls who have been trafficked.

“Human trafficking is one of the worst forms of violence against women and girls,” the group said.

“You may not be aware that even what is regarded in our society as a matter within families, such as sending a young girl from home to stay with relatives where she does the cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing and other chores, comes under the heading of someone who has been trafficked…”

‘Violence against women and girls is a global pandemic…’

“I again salute the women and girls of the Caribbean community,” Secretary-General of Caricom Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said.

“The promise to end violence against women has been made and reaffirmed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right of everyone to life, liberty and security of person. Violence against women and girls is, however, a global pandemic, with up to seven in 10 women facing physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime.

“It occurs in all countries, contexts and settings and is one of the most pervasive violations of human rights,” he added.

He said we can reduce violence against women and girls by addressing the root causes such as gender inequality and discrimination, as well as the various risk factors which contribute to its occurrence.

“There has been some progress in Caricom, particularly with regard to services and responses, but implementation has been slow and uneven across countries. Comprehensive legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms and multi-sectoral services must not only respond to and protect women and girls from violence, but also send a clear message that such violence is not acceptable,” he said.

JTA: We use this opportunity to recognise and celebrate women

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) joined with its international partner, Education International, to observe IWD.

“Professional women make up more than 80 percent of all organisations and the JTA is no different. As such, we use this opportunity to recognise and celebrate them as integral partners in the business of education,” the JTA said.

“Many of the achievements made by institutions and organisations throughout the world were led by females… the evidence is unquestionable that through their hard work, many of the benefits now enjoyed by Jamaican teachers were won through tireless negotiations and lobbying by dedicated individuals…”

Simpson Miller: Ending violence against women is a top priority of my Government

“We cannot ignore the unacceptable and horrible incidents of violence committed against our women and children,” Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said. “With strong commitment and conviction, ending violence against women is a top priority of my Government.”

She said the women of Jamaica are part of the global struggle, as for too long women have been victims of violence which impact negatively on their development.

“In many instances, senseless acts of violence, including sexual assaults against our women and girls, have rendered many powerless. We must never accept, excuse or tolerate any act of violence against our women and girls,” she said.

Scotiabank celebrates

In celebration of women worldwide, Scotiabank marked the day with local and global women’s initiatives in Jamaica and around the world including inspiring small business owners to dream big; supporting Dress for Success, and honouring staff who achieved significant milestones

“Scotiabank is a proud supporter of many local organisations focused on helping women on a personal and professional level,” said Bruce Bowen, president.

Marcette McGleggon, vice president credit solutions with the corporate and commercial banking department, led an internal campaign to acquire clothing and accessories which were donated to Dress for Success, a charity which outfits women and prepares them for the world of work.

McGleggon also met with small business women and discussed their hopes dreams and plans to grow their businesses.

Globally, Scotiabank marked IWD with a donation to Plan Canada’s ‘Because I Am a Girl’ initiative, a social movement to claim a brighter future for girls in the developing world.

US embassy acknowledges women of courage

US Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater welcomed new female heads of diplomatic missions and acknowledged Women of Courage on Friday evening.

Via live feed, guests watched the seventh annual International Women of Courage Awards ceremony, hosted by Secretary Kerry and First Lady Michelle Obama. The Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage recognises women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment, often at great personal risk.

Women business owners go to high schools

In commemoration of IWD, Shirley Carby, managing director of Carlong Publishers (Caribbean) Limited and Rita Humphries-Lewin, Chairman of Barita Investments, shared their entrepreneurial experiences with sixth formers at , St Andrew High School and Immaculate Conception High.

The school visits were organised by the Women Business Owners Jamaica Limited (WBO) and various corporate partners.

“The WBO supports the economic and social empowerment of Jamaican women and is, therefore, pleased to partner with Corporate Jamaica to inspire and sensitise young women to the achievements of women in business, inclusive of owners of professional services firms,” the group said.

National Policy for Gender Equality launched

The Bureau of Women’s Affairs and its partners also launched the JIS public education campaign for the National Policy for Gender Equality on Friday.