Business leaders are being encouraged to be more meaningful in efforts that foster gender equality, and even more specific about female empowerment.

Highlighting examples from within her organisation, Flow Jamaica’s Latoy Lawrence joined prominent women advocating for developmental support at the 10th Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) bell-ringing ceremony for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 on March 8.

The theme for IWD 2024 was ‘Inspire Inclusion’ and Lawrence, who is Flow’s head of marketing, pointed to the important role of corporate Jamaica in promoting gender equality and inspiring inclusivity in setting the pace for female advancement.

“It’s a day to honour the progress we’ve made, acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead and reaffirm our commitment to accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment,” charged Lawrence.

She referenced women who are leaders in Jamaican society such as the JSE’s managing director Dr Marlene Street Forrest and Rear Admiral Antonette Weymss-Gorman, chief of staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), “and countless other women in the public and private sector” while signalling their “remarkable contributions and enduring resilience”.

Lawrence also related that studies have shown greater economic growth and development for countries with greater gender equality practices.

As a way of inspiring general perspectives and behaviours, she shared Flow’s deep commitment to accelerating gender equality and articulated company initiatives that show “concrete action and meaningful change … to empower women at every level of our organisation”.

In executing their strategy, Lawrence underlined three pillars as key – leadership with gender equity; an untenable position against gender-based violence (GBV), and education.

“First and foremost, we’re committed to leadership equity, equal opportunities to rise to the highest ranks of our company,” she stated.

At Flow, 63 per cent of the company’s senior leadership are women, and 52 per cent of people managers are also women,” she shared.

“We believe that diverse leadership teams are not only more reflective of our communities, but also better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape,” Lawrence stated.

Calling GBV a “pervasive and insidious problem” that affects girls and women across the globe, she said the company stands “unwavering” in its prevention through its Gender-Based Violence Policy.

“Together we’re working to create a world where every woman feels safe, respected and empowered to live her truth,” she affirmed.

Some of those leaders were present at the function that was also streamed live from the JSE’s headquarters in downtown Kingston: Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange; Patricia Duncan-Sutherland, president of the People’s National Party Women’s Movement; Angie Martinez, Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to Jamaica; and Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay, Head of the Corporate Communications Unit, Jamaica Constabulary Force.

The investment in the professional development and advancement is another staple, she professed, pointing to a variety of female-specific leadership development programmes designed to enhance skills, widen networks and preparation for leadership roles within and outside the organization, plus mentorship training and financial support to back up entrepreneurial potential.

“We understand that true progress requires more than just rhetoric. It demands a concerted effort to address the root causes of inequality and injustice,” Lawrence said.

“Let us recommit ourselves to the cause of gender equality with renewed vigour and determination,” she challenged the wide audience. “Let us stand in solidarity with women everywhere, amplifying our voices, championing their rights and working together to build a future where every woman counts.”