THE year has barely got off to its momentum, but that hasn’t stopped some commendable gender moves that are sure to benefit women, girls and other vulnerable groups.

Here are some notable gender equality and women’s empowerment developments in Jamaica so far this year, focused on real progress in policy, services and social change.

GENDER VIOLENCE APP TO BE LAUNCHED THIS YEAR

A gender-based violence mobile app will be launched this year to provide discreet access to emergency help, legal information, and support services for victims.

The move is part of initiatives by the Government to eliminate domestic violence, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen announced while delivering the Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening of Parliament on February 12.

“A full review of the Domestic Violence Act is also under way, supported by expanded shelters, intervention centres, and 24-hour hotlines,” Allen said.

STRENGTHENED ACTION ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT

A total of 50 cases of sexual harassment complaints have, so far, been referred to the Sexual Harassment Tribunal.

Principal Director of the Bureau of Gender Affairs Sharon Coburn Robinson said of the cases so far, most have come from within the public sector.

Over 60 per cent of the cases have been dealt with, and some are still being addressed,” she disclosed during a recent presentation to the Caucus of Women Parliamentarians at Gordon House.

The Tribunal was established under the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act to hear and determine complaints and to make awards.

Coburn Robinson noted that tribunal meetings are held as often as possible.

“The idea is that all of the cases are going to be treated with the utmost priority because there is a zero-tolerance approach to any form of harassment that is done to any person,” she said.

Members of the Sexual Harassment Tribunal were sworn in on July 17, 2025.

THIRD STATE-RUN FACILITY FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS NEAR COMPLETION

The third State-run facility for victims of domestic violence is close to completion, said Coburn Robinson.

She noted that the new facility will serve as a transitional space.

“This third space will not be serving as a regular shelter, because we already have two that are operational. It’s dubbed as a transition hub… a space that is safe, and it will not be as restricted as the ones that we have now. They’ll be able to commute, and so if somebody is studying or working, the child is in school, they’ll be able to move freely,” she added.

Coburn Robinson said the facility would allow for training and recovery.

The establishment of the government-run shelters for women who need to leave violent relationships has been one of the priority programmes of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.