Gov’t Committed to Empowering and Supporting Rural Women and Girls – Minister Grange

The Government is committed to empowering and supporting rural women and girls enabling them to actively participate in and contribute to sustainable development, says Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange.

The Minister’s remarks were delivered by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Denzil Thorpe, at the FarmHers Market on October 15 at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices.

The event was one in a series of activities organised by the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), a division of the Ministry, to observe International Day of Rural Women (IDRW) 2024.

Minister Grange said that the Ministry remains committed to strengthening the capacity of rural women and girls by providing opportunities for education, health care, economic independence, and improved decision-making power within their families, businesses, and communities.

“My dream for every rural woman and girl is that they will achieve their fullest potential and live a prosperous healthy life, free from discrimination and harm,” she pointed out.

She noted that throughout the month of October, the Ministry will dedicate its programmed activities towards empowering rural women with the tools and resources to provide solutions to the challenges they face.

Noting that women play a crucial role in the development and sustenance of the country, she said that during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, rural women ensured that “our breadbaskets were never empty.”

“The resilience of rural women and girls is the backbone of many industries contributing to agriculture, handicraft and other sectors,” she noted.

She pointed out that empowering rural women is key to achieving the goals of the national policy for gender equality and the National Strategic Action Plan to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence in Jamaica.

IDRW is a celebration of rural women and girls and their contribution to the enhancement of rural life and the role they play in the elimination of poverty and supporting their families and communities.

Activities that have already taken place include a tree planting day, a rural women’s sustainability hike, a health and information fair and a youth forum titled ‘Rural Girls Rock.’

The IDRW celebrations will continue on Friday, October 25, with the International Day of Rural Women Banner event and Empowerment Forum at the Sean Lavery Hall, Savana-La-Mar, Westmoreland from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.