Dennis Zulu | Accelerating rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls

This month, we again celebrated the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women and girls in Jamaica and the world at large.

Yet, even as we mark significant milestones toward addressing the many challenges that women and girls face in our society today, we must begin to act more swiftly in accelerating the implementation of the solutions that we know will address these challenges. These challenges that are largely attributed to systemic inequalities continue to limit the full realisation of women’s rights and opportunities.

First, we must relentlessly advocate for full human rights for women and girls and actively challenge all forms of violence, discrimination, and exploitation. Second, we need to address deeply rooted systemic barriers and dismantle patriarchal norms that hinder progress toward gender equality. To achieve this, we must amplify the voices and experiences of marginalised women and girls, including women living with disabilities, as a way of ensuring their inclusion and empowerment. Lastly, we must foster genuine empowerment by redefining power structures to ensure inclusive access to education, employment, leadership, and decision-making spaces, especially for young women and girls.

BEIJING DECLARATION

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action — a landmark commitment adopted by 189 countries, including Jamaica, at the Fourth World Conference on Women held in 1995. Recognised globally as the most comprehensive agenda for gender equality and women’s empowerment, this declaration laid out clear objectives across critical areas, including poverty alleviation, education, health, violence prevention, economic participation, and political empowerment.

In Jamaica, notable strides have been made, as exemplified by the fact that women now represent over 60% of university graduates, highlighting significant gains in education and the improvement in political representation, with women occupying 28% of parliamentary seats. Furthermore, Jamaica’s commitment to legal protections is evident through the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act (2021) and its ongoing reporting on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Additionally, other national policy instruments like the National Policy for Gender Equality (NPGE), and the National Strategic Action Plan to Eliminate Gender-based Violence (NSAP-GBV), when consistently enforced, have the potential to transform advocacy, democratise policymaking, strengthen legal protection, shift social norms, and enhance women’s roles in peace and security.

However, despite these achievements, some challenges remain. There is a need for increased investment in healthcare access and quality for women, ensuring we continue to lower maternal mortality rates. Economic inequalities persist. Many women remain vulnerable in informal employment, lacking social protection and benefits. Gender-based violence continues at alarming rates, with one in 10 women experiencing non-partner sexual violence and a significant number of recent survivors of physical or sexual partner violence choosing not to seek help. Furthermore, intersectional barriers significantly impact women with disabilities, women of varying gender and sexual identities, and women living with HIV, who face heightened levels of stigma, discrimination, and unemployment rates.

COLLECTIVE ACTION

Addressing these enduring disparities requires collective action at all levels of society. We must prioritise women’s leadership and economic empowerment, enforce policies promoting gender equality as articulated in Jamaica’s National Policy for Gender Equality and Vision 2030.

As an essential stakeholder, the private sector must actively commit to international labour standards and local employment laws as they apply to women workers, support women-led initiatives, and create empowering work environments responsive to the needs of women. By embedding gender equality into corporate culture, businesses can drive inclusive economic growth and societal transformation.

Civil society remains a viable partner in addressing the needs of many unreached women and girls. Civil society must be empowered with adequate resources, policy support, and collaboration opportunities, to reach women and girls most in need. By strengthening civil society, we contribute to Jamaica’s continued progress towards an inclusive society where no one is left behind.

Finally, the fostering of international collaboration is crucial. The United Nations remains committed to partnering with governments, the private sector, civil society, and international stakeholders, to ensure sustained progress toward gender equality. By working together, we can build a more equitable future where all women and girls can thrive.

This Women’s History Month, let us not merely celebrate the victories achieved but commit earnestly to addressing the gaps that remain. Our collective action today will determine the legacy we leave for future generations. Women and girls shouldn’t wait. The moment for meaningful progress is now.

Dennis Zulu is Kingston-based United Nations resident coordinator in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, and The Cayman Islands. Send feedback to jamaica.rco@un.org