Policies being developed to further strengthen protection of women – PM Golding

Prime Minister Bruce Golding says a Sexual Harassment Policy is being developed and a National Gender Policy is to be launched shortly to further strengthen the protection of women.

“Despite the advancements made, regrettably, too many of our women are still afflicted by daily challenges in the homes, communities and places of work-challenges that we must consistently strive to minimize or eliminate,” the Prime Minister said in a message to mark the 100th commemoration of International Women’s Day on Tuesday (March 8).

He appealed to Jamaican men to accept their responsibilities and treat women with the greatest respect at all times. “They are our wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends…treasure them” Mr. Golding added.

He said over the years, Jamaica has signaled its unwavering commitment to the advancement and upliftment of women through the signing of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women in 1981 and the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence Against Women in 2005.

Mr. Golding added that the Sexual Offences Bill which was approved in Parliament amalgamated the various laws that relate to rape, incest and other sexual offences and repealed the Incest (Punishment) Act and certain provisions of the Offences Against the Person Act, to make new provisions for the prosecution of rape and other sexual offences, as well as the establishment of a Sex Offender Registry.

“As we mark this centenary International Women’s Day, let us proudly acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of and contributions made by women not just locally, but regionally and internationally as well, oftentimes against great odds and in the face of adversity.”

PM Golding commended the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture with responsibility for Women and gender Affairs, Bureau of Women’s Affairs and non-governmental and other organizations which have worked tirelessly in pursuit of the protection of the rights of women. The Prime Minister sad he is confident that this year’s celebration will achieve even greater success than in previous years.

Issued by: The Office of the Prime Minister