Category: Women’s Issues

Spotlight Initiative Launched to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls

March 10, 2020

I mentioned the Spotlight Initiative, a partnership between the Jamaican Government, the European Union and the United Nations, in my last blog post. The initiative was officially launched today at the Office of the Prime Minister. You can watch the recording of the ceremony on Facebook here. Unfortunately I missed the ceremonies, but I understand that … More Spotlight Initiative Launched to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls

Thoughts on International Women’s Day 2020 and the Disappearance of Jasmine Dean

March 9, 2020

This could turn into a long post, because there is “so much things to say,” as Bob Marley sang. Where to start? I have been browsing, reading, and writing, for most of the day. There were of course several events for International Women’s Day in Jamaica, including a tribute to Mary Seacole at the Institute … More Thoughts on International Women’s Day 2020 and the Disappearance of Jasmine Dean

It Happen Fi Real: Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Private Sector Workplace

January 12, 2020

It Happen Fi Real! Yes, it really did happen. Don’t you believe me? How can a woman working in the private sector make progress in her work and career if she fears sexual harassment – and worse still, if she realizes no one really cares or believes her claims? Moreover, how can a company expect … More It Happen Fi Real: Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Private Sector Workplace

Poet Laureate Lorna Goodison Receives the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry

December 18, 2019

Quite apart from her considerable literary skills, our Poet Laureate Lorna Goodison is a warm-hearted woman who has gathered all in her embrace through programs such as All Flowers Are Roses. Ms. Goodison is the first Jamaican to receive this award, and we congratulate her! You might be interested to know that Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott … More Poet Laureate Lorna Goodison Receives the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry

Poor People Fed Up: UN Human Development Report 2019 Highlights Inequalities, in Jamaica and the Region

December 9, 2019

In 1996, the dancehall DJ Bounty Killa (real name: Rodney Basil Price) had a popular song called Poor People Fed Up.  It was an angry song. The Trench Town-born DJ pointed to poor people “surround by danger” from an unhealthy environment, violence and crime. He pointed the finger at uncaring politicians (“Long time the MP him … More Poor People Fed Up: UN Human Development Report 2019 Highlights Inequalities, in Jamaica and the Region

Concern over Incident at Bustamante Hospital for Children

November 14, 2019

Health issues seem to be seizing the headlines, in one way or the other, at the moment. Our health sector is under pressure, and a violent incident involving a local politician, who had brought her sick baby to the Bustamante Hospital for Children for treatment, highlights those stresses. The politician concerned has since (partially) apologized. The … More Concern over Incident at Bustamante Hospital for Children