The Government remains committed to ongoing implementation of strategies to eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination.
Notable among these are provisions in the National Policy for Gender Equality; the proposed National Action Plan to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence; as well as the Caribbean Community/United Nations Population Fund (CARICOM/UNFPA) Integrated Strategic Framework, which targets a 20 per cent reduction in adolescent/teenage pregnancies in regional states by 2019.
This was reaffirmed by Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon Olivia Grange, in a speech delivered by Bureau of Gender Affairs’ Policy and Research Director, Sharon Robinson, at an exposition at Morant Villas, Morant Bay, St. Thomas, to mark World Population Day on Monday, July 11.
Ms. Grange noted that far too many females, in particular, are being subjected to violence, denied opportunities for educational advancement and employment “and sadly, excluded from positions of leadership and decision making”.
She said this was compounded by the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy which, based on research, “poses significant consequences” for the health, well-being and overall advancement of young girls and boys.
Against this background, Ms. Grange underscored the administration’s resolve to strengthen the resilience of these persons through a “gender-responsive” approach.
“That means making sure we treat the problems, so that all persons benefit on the basis of equity,” she explained.
Ms. Grange said as Minister with responsibility for gender affairs, she is aware of the need for “meaningful engagement” that creates an enabling environment that is just, equitable and inclusive for all citizens.
In this regard, she thanked the various stakeholders involved in organising and staging Monday’s exposition.
They include the Ministries of Education, Youth and Information, and Health; Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) and Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat; National Family Planning Board (Sexual Health Agency); Child Development Agency (CDA); Women’s Centre Foundation of Jamaica (WCFJ); Jamaica Library Service (JLS), the Bureau of Gender Affairs and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Ms. Grange also invited other stakeholders to collaborate with the Government to promote equal participation and socio-economic protection “that will create equitable gender outcomes and lead to prosperity to enhance the quality of life of each Jamaican”.
The exposition was held under the theme ‘Investing in Teenage Girls: Engaging Men and Boys’.
Source: Jamaica Information Service