Weekly Photo Challenge: Wish (And Hope) in Jamaica

The most recent Photo Challenge was simply: “Wish.”

Late last year, I attended the UN Development Programme’s Social Good Summit in Kingston. The focus was on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are all diligently working towards them, but in a sense they remain just wishes, to be fully attained at some time in the future. For example, Goal #5 (Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls) seems as far away as it ever has been, at least in some parts of the world.

Tonni-Ann Broder, Deputy Representative at UN Women Caribbean in Barbados, speaks at the launch of the He For She program at Jamaica House last summer. (My photo)

On the same topic of gender, the launch of the well-meaning He For She  campaign in Jamaica in July 2016 was an opportunity for Prime Minister Andrew Holness to pledge his support for women and to declare himself a feminist. However, not even 300 Jamaicans have “committed themselves” to the campaign on its website, while declaring “violence” and “work” their priorities. In the midst of the recent heightened anxiety and discussion over violence against women, one male journalist who attended a meeting convened by the 51% Coalition tweeted that he had invited other men to attend. They responded: “Nope…cyaa tek more cussing.” We’ve got a long way to go, with the He For She concept – on both sides, I would suggest.

We keep on wishing. And hoping…

Perhaps this is the greatest wish for the Jamaican people: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all (Sustainable Development Goal #8). (My photo)

 

Gender specialist Darine BenAmara holds up SDGs #5 and #17 (Partnerships for the Goals) at the Social Good Summit. (My photo)