Grange gears up for ‘A Celebration of Jamaican Women’ on Saturday

A first ever, all-woman presentation during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing was a clear reflection of the overall achievements of women that Jamaica is set to celebrate this Saturday for International Women’s Day.

Senator Dana Morris Dixon, minister of education, skills, youth and information; Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sports; Fayval Williams, minister of finance and the public service; Marlene Malahoo Forte, minister of legal and constitutional affairs; Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, and Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, state minister in the Ministry of National Security, all took to the podium during the press briefing at Jamaica House in St Andrew to mark the first occasion the briefing consisted only of female speakers.

Grange used the occasion to inform the nation how Jamaica will observe the internationally celebrated event that marks women’s achievements and advocates for gender equality.

She said Jamaica will have its own theme, which will complement the international theme.

“Whereas the global theme is Accelerate Action for All Women and Girls, Rights, Equality and Empowerment, our national activities will take place [under our theme], A Celebration of Jamaican Women,” Grange said.

“We have decided to make this year’s event a celebration of Jamaican women and so we’re asking the nation to celebrate, to acknowledge, to big up and inspire our women on their contribution to Jamaica on International Women’s Day.

“This is something that we should do as part of our daily routine but International Women’s Day [is] an occasion and an opportunity to especially, encourage, affirm, celebrate, and just embrace the women in our lives, in our workplaces, in our various sectors, in our communities and in our country.”

Grange said there is much to celebrate, despite the many obstacles that still prevent many women from achieving their potential.

“You can tell a great deal about a country by the way it treats its women and its children. The status that they occupy in the hierarchy is usually a good indication of whether the country is progressive or backward; if a country is oppressive or caring,” she added.

HELP BUILD JAMAICA

Meanwhile, Williams, Jamaica’s first-ever female minister of finance, encouraged Jamaican women to continue to help build Jamaica.

“To every female listening, know that ambition is not personal, it is national, it is global. Our country needs you and so let’s accelerate action together, let us continue to build a better Jamaica, let us continue to build on what we have and to move forward with velocity and, in this position that I occupy, know that I will be carrying the voice of women, women’s issues as well, Minister Grange. And as I look at the [national] budget, I want every woman to be reflected in that budget as well,” Williams said.

She said she was looking forward to presenting the Budget next Tuesday.

Williams also used the opportunity to urge women to serve in whatever area they can.

“I know a lot of people shy away from service but, at the time I didn’t know it was the ideal preparation for a position as a member of parliament,” Williams said.

“So I want to say to all our ladies, women, young girls growing up, service is good. Service in your school, in your classrooms, when you’re in tertiary institutions, because it gets you interacting with persons from all walks of life. It builds your own character, it helps you to remain grounded; and so I would encourage that.

“Be positive in all your doings; I want all women across Jamaica to know that your voice matters and that your engagement is necessary and invaluable to building the great Jamaica land we love,” the minister urged.

editorial@gleanerjm.com