Gender Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, has reiterated her unwavering commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls in Jamaica.

She was delivering the keynote address at a ceremony commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW), at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, on Thursday (December 19).

The Minister reaffirmed her personal commitment and that of the Jamaican government to creating a society free from violence.

“This vexed issue remains pervasive on a global scale, with approximately 736 million women having experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner at least once in their lives,” she said.

Ms. Grange shared the statistics that “140 women or girls on average are killed daily by a family member”.

“One in four Jamaican women have been victims of intimate partner violence in their lifetime,” the Minister noted.

Additionally, one in three women in Jamaica have experienced sexual abuse, including rape, incest, and sexual harassment.

Minister Grange outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence through the National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP).

This plan focuses on five strategic priority areas: prevention, protection, investigation and prosecution, enforcement of victims’ rights, and coordination protocols.

She highlighted recent legislative reforms, including amendments to the Domestic Violence Act and implementation of the Sexual Harassment Protection and Prevention Act 2021, which aim to strengthen protection for victims.

“The Domestic Violence Amendment Act 2023 provides for increased protection of victims and improved legal recourse,” she explained.

“The penalty for breach of a Protection order has been increased exponentially from $10,000 to $1 million or imprisonment for up to one year,” Ms. Grange added.

She also addressed the establishment of regional shelters for survivors of gender-based violence, stating that “two out of three regional shelters are operational.”

These shelters provide safe havens and psychosocial support for women and children escaping violence.

Ms. Grange emphasised the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders. “Relentless advocacy serves as a powerful tool to challenge all forms of violence against women and girls. It requires leveraging multi-stakeholder partnerships,” she said.

The Minister called on duty bearers from both government and private sectors to unite in their efforts to end violence against women.

She honoured the memory of Barbara Gayle, a veteran Court Reporter who was tragically murdered at her home, and Anna-Shay Campbell, a 14-year-old girl who died during childbirth.

Ms. Grange urged parents to support young mothers by utilising resources available at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation.

“Gone are the days when we judge teenage girls for getting pregnant early. We must ensure that we protect them,” the Minister said.

She stressed that the Government remains committed to creating a society where no woman or man, girl or boy will be at risk of experiencing violence.