JMMB Group makes donation to bolster Woman Inc

WOMAN Inc has received a much needed financial boost from JMMB Group to assist the organisation to bolster the capacity of its 24-hour hotline team. The financial group made a symbolic presentation of $500,000 to the organisation during a handover ceremony at its head office.

The donation will assist Woman Inc in fulfilling its mandate to assist women who have been victims of abuse and to provide public education programmes in a bid to reduce violence against women. The funds will be used to provide ongoing training to approximately 20 volunteers and potential volunteers who maintain the hotline. The training session is intended to assist volunteers to be better equipped in dealing with individuals in crisis by improving their listening skills, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity, and providing basic counselling skills.

Joyce Hewett, gender specialist and past president of Woman Inc, in explaining the need for funding to support training of hotline volunteers, said, “The hotline is the backbone of the organisation as the first contact point for individuals who are experiencing some form of crisis.

“The team is trained to determine the type of support needed for the individuals in crisis and provides counselling where necessary, or helps to assess whether or not the individuals need to be referred to Woman Inc’s shelter for safety or identify another safe space (for individuals who are outside of the range of the shelter).” Referrals for medical attention and other counselling services are also facilitated through the 24-hour hotline.

Hewett commended JMMB Group for the financial injection in the area of capacity building as an area that she outlined was in need of support.

The funds were raised through the JMMB Group’s online movement campaign that stands for the greatness of all women, launched in recognition of International Women’s Day in March.

“The campaign was designed to create a unique opportunity for individuals to join in taking a stand against violence perpetrated towards women, by helping women who may be victims of abuse,” shared Kerry-Ann Stimpson, Group Chief Marketing Officer, JMMB. In further explaining the process, Stimpson noted, “For each photo uploaded to the JMMB online photo mosaic at www.jmmbherwealth.com, of a woman that they admire or of themselves, JMMB Group donated $100 to Woman Inc.”

This online movement complements the company’s most recently launched financial solution for women — JMMB Her Wealth — which is a complete financial solution that includes investments, savings, loans and a rewards programme.

Woman Inc is a voluntary, non-profit and non-governmental organisation founded in 1984 and is dedicated to providing assistance to victims of rape, incest, domestic violence and sexual harassment at the workplace.