Members of Jamaica’s first Young Women in Leadership Parliament are calling on the government to implement a national action plan to prioritize gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.
During the session held on Tuesday at Gordon House, the members, representing the 63 constituencies across the island, recommended the development of programs in the educational sector to strengthen women and girls’ access to information and training in high-demand and emerging fields, including digital innovation, information technology, and the care economy.
This is with a view to improving employability of women, thereby enabling greater economic empowerment and creating more opportunities for their participation in the economy.
Youth member of parliament for St. Ann, North Eastern, Dannyelle-Jordan Bailey, said gender equality must be given “serious consideration if we are to achieve the human and economic development mandate of Jamaica”.
“When we think of women’s economic empowerment we must consider that [this] is a prerequisite for sustainable development. Women’s economic empowerment is a right and women’s economic empowerment requires long-term collaborative and multi-sectoral commitment and approach from all stakeholders,” she pointed out.
The all-female parliament also recommended advancement of the country’s digital transformation through policy, plans, projects and programs/initiatives with the aim of improving digital connectivity, affordability, accessibility, availability, and literacy.
Enactment of legislative initiatives and public programs relating to the care economy, to guarantee decent employment for all care workers in accordance with national and international labor standards, was also proposed.
Another area they want prioritized is the development of a national mentorship program in select communities to address the rate of underachievement among boys in external examinations.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, who addressed the sitting, commended the young women and expressed the hope that they would seek to contribute to Jamaica’s continued development in the political arena.
“Make today the first day of the rest of your lives as you move forward to become leaders. You have started that journey today. You are leaders in your own right, and in the future, I will have the pleasure, I am sure, of seeing some of you sitting in this House,” she said.
Member of Parliament for St. Andrew East Rural Juliet Holness, commended the young leaders for their insightful proposals, which advocate for gender equality in the society as a critical aspect of development.
CMC
