The High Commission of Canada in Jamaica has named five leading Jamaican women to serve as advocates in the Government of Canada’s global campaign #SheLeadsHere. 

According to the high commission, #SheLeadsHere is a campaign that aims to raise the profile of female advocates and leaders doing exemplary work in areas aligned with Canadian priorities. 

The campaign follows Canada’s commitment during the 2021 Generation Equality Forum in Paris, France and is being replicated at Canadian missions worldwide. The goal is to amplify the voices of and increase access for women advocates and leaders, in all their diversity, to key stakeholders and decision-makers. 

The five Jamaican women advocates joining the campaign will highlight their work in climate change, democracy, peacebuilding, sexual and gender-based violence, and women and girls’ empowerment.

These women, who have already made significant contributions to their respective communities, will partner with the high commission in a series of activities surrounding their advocacy areas at the local, regional and global levels. 

The women who will join the global cohort of #SheLeadsHere advocates are:

Ayesha Constable: A climate researcher and practitioner who approaches her work as a scholar-activist from a feminist perspective. 

Dainalyn Swaby: A development communication specialist and climate change advocate. 

Olivia Shaw-Lovell: The founder of Women of Destiny, an organisation that provides mentorship and training to women who have been victims of abuse.

Donna Parchment Brown: A dispute-resolution specialist, and former political ombudsman who has served in both the private and public sectors. 

Joy Crawford: The co-founder and former executive director of Eve for Life, a passionate advocate for ending violence against women and girls, with 30 years of experience in project management, HIV programme development and implementation.

The appointments were officially announced during an event held on International Women’s Day (March 8) by the High Commission.

High Commissioner Emina Tudakovic applauded the women for their exemplary work, stating: “The High Commission of Canada in Jamaica is proud to support these inspiring women and the work they do to make a difference in their communities.”

Tudakovic added: “We believe that the #SheLeadsHere campaign will empower, inspire, and motivate other women to take a stand and speak out on issues that matter. We are confident that this initiative will have a lasting impact and that the women selected are true sources of motivation and leadership in their respective fields.”

In keeping with the theme for International Women’s Day, ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality’, the high commission also recognised Sandra Glasgow and Stacey Hines with the Women of Impact Award, for their outstanding leadership and achievements in the field of technology.

At the 2021 Generation Equality Forum in Paris, Canada committed to mobilising its global mission network to continue raising awareness of and advocating for the empowerment of adolescent girls and young feminists.

#SheLeadsHere advocates have been appointed at more than 150 Canadian missions and Canada’s Feminist Foreign Policy and Feminist International Assistance Policy continue to drive Global Affairs Canada’s work as #GenerationEquality continues to gain momentum and global engagement.