In observation of International Women’s Day, the Bureau of Gender Affairs honoured scores of women for their accomplishments at a special ceremony held last Wednesday (March 19) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.

Themed ‘A Celebration of Jamaican Women’, portfolio minister Olivia Grange said the event was held to applaud what the women have achieved, which should serve as an inspiration to young women and girls.

She noted that the women, who were selected from various sectors and industries, have excelled in their respective fields and have made “significant strides towards breaking the glass ceiling”.

“The journey and outstanding achievements of these phenomenal women will serve to inspire other women and girls and provide the impetus for continued advancement. I want to highlight the fact that empowered women not only experience positive outcomes but have consistently been shown to improve the circumstances of their families, their communities, their countries, and the world at large,” Grange said.

Among the honourees were Speaker of the House of Representatives, Juliet Holness; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith; Minister Grange; Cabinet Secretary, Audrey Sewell; Parliamentarian Dr Angela Brown Burke; retired Chief Justice Zalia McCalla; principal director in the ministry, Sharon Coburn Robinson; Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Paula Llewellyn; entertainer Marcia Griffiths; journalist Fae Ellington; and retired Children’s Advocate, Mary Clarke.

The minister argued that the recognition strengthens the call for efforts to realise a world in which “our women and girls, including the most disadvantaged groups, have equal rights and are empowered to achieve their fullest potential”.

Noting that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which is known as the “most comprehensive and transformative” global agenda for the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, Grange said Jamaica continues to make significant strides in women’s empowerment, as outlined by the “critical areas of concern” under the declaration.

“Today, we can celebrate the achievements of our women in power and decision-making roles, in education and training, their impact on the economy in areas such as sport and arts, and their continued advocacy.  Jamaican women continue to break barriers in politics, in business and public service, and a wide range of other sectors,” she said.

The minister also urged key stakeholders to increase the availability of mentorship and capacity development opportunities for women, especially in medium-sized, small, and micro enterprises, as “these businesses are at the heart of our local economy”.