International Women’s Day Celebration Reminds Stakeholders of the Importance of Keeping the Promise to End Gender- based Violence

A loud call went out on International Women’s Day for Jamaicans to adopt a zero tolerance approach to gender based violence.  Minister of Information, Senator, Sandrea Falconer, speaking at the official event to observe the day, reiterated government’s commitment to  keeping the promise to end gender based violence but stressed that the responsibility could not be government’s alone.

“ The government will do its part but it is not the responsibility of the State alone. We cannot legislate behavior,” She said.  

“This promise can only be achieved if and when each individual takes seriously her/his responsibility to stand up against all forms of violence, especially violence against women and girls. Our men and boys have to (be) part of that change.”

Senator Falconer cited as evidence of government’s commitment, various pieces of legislation that have been enacted or amended in order to protect women from violence and give them equal status, including the latest, Evidence Act amendments, 2012.

The Evidence Act allows women and girls who are victims of violence to give video testimony so that they don’t have to face their abuser in the court.

Executive Director of the Bureau of Women’s Affairs, Faith Webster also highlighted the development of a National Policy for Gender Equality as an important step forward in fulfilling the commitment to advance gender equality. According to Mrs. Webster, the policy “provides the nation with tools to disavow and dismantle debilitating gender stereotypes, discrimination, patriarchy and its operatives.”

Patrice LaFleur, Officer-in-Charge, UNFPA Sub-regional office for the Caribbean acknowleged and commended the government for the positive steps it has taken in honouring the commitment to end gender based violence. She noted however that while there were obvious positive changes, there were still gaps that remained to be addressed. In this regard, she called on all stakeholders including government, the international community, civil society, women and girls, men and boys to be unambiguous in their condemnation of gender based violence as a human rights violation.

“On the occasion of International Women's Day, I want to take this opportunity to ask all Jamaicans to join us in condemning gender based violence as one of the worst forms of human rights violations and assault on human dignity.  Let us commit to ensuring that the victims and their families have immediate access to health services, including sustained post-treatment and care and access to justice.
Let us commit to ending the social acceptance of gender based violence and demand a zero tolerance approach to violence against women and girls.”

Jamaica’s observance of International Women’s Day was spearheaded by the Bureau of Women’s Affairs with support from UNFPA and UN Women along with private sector partners.