A significant number of rural women are now more financially literate, having participated in the recent International Day of Rural Women Financial Literacy Workshop at the Ocho Rios Baptist Church in St Ann.

The event, spearheaded by the Bureau of Gender Affairs in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, exposed the participants to practical training in budgeting, money management, investment and income generation.

The workshop formed part of a series of islandwide initiatives celebrating International Day of Rural Women on October 15.

Acting Director for the Bureau’s Community Liaison Unit, Nardia McLaren, told JIS News that the workshop was designed to enhance the financial decision-making capabilities of rural women, particularly those affected during Hurricane Beryl’s passage, just south of Jamaica on July 3.

“It’s about empowering them financially. This will help them to effectively participate in economic activities and take appropriate financial decisions to improve their well-being, financial resilience and their families’ well-being,” she explained.

McLaren stated that the cross-country workshops are being held under the theme – ‘Empowering Rural Women: Achieving a Sustainable Future’, with the outreach already extended to several parishes including Clarendon and Portland.

“The data shows that many rural women are small business persons. So, for that, we want to improve on their budgeting skills to reduce any financial inequities or problems they might encounter, even though they may already be budgeting. We want to improve on their decisions,” she outlined.

Local organisations also supported the initiative, including the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers (JNRWP). The St Ann JNRWP parish representative, Natayla Reid, indicated that the workshop addressed critical issues, including financial abuse and the need for women’s economic independence. She pointed out that many of the participants were single mothers who serve as primary providers for their families and as such, making them more financially literate is crucial to their success.

“They are the ones who feed the nation and the world. So we want them to understand that they are not alone, and that they are supported,” Reid underscored.

The programme brought together key stakeholders including the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Sagicor Bank and Sagicor Life.  Special focus was also placed on inclusivity, with the St Ann Disabilities Association Benevolent Society actively participating in the workshop.