In an effort toward building a more equitable society, the Government of Jamaica has officially received the Gender Strategy and Action Plan for the justice sector on Wednesday, marking a bold new chapter in efforts to institutionalise gender equality and expand access to justice for all Jamaicans, especially the most vulnerable.

UNDP Resident Representative Dr Kishan Khoday emphasised the urgency and significance of embedding gender equity into the very fabric of Jamaica’s justice institutions.

“The Social Justice Programme Gender Strategy and Action Plan represents a key pillar in advancing equity in the justice sector, a structured framework to ensure the Ministry of Justice and partner agencies systematically address gender inequality and barriers faced by women, men, persons with disabilities and disadvantaged groups,” Khoday said.

Khoday also revealed that this strategy aims to institutionalise gender mainstreaming across institutions and gender responsible legislation. “A central feature of the strategy is the delivery of annual gender sensitisation and social context training capacity development, aimed at building the entire justice sector’s capacity to identify but also to respond effectively to barriers for equitable justice in Jamaica.”

He highlighted the strategy’s alignment with national priorities. “It also supports Jamaica’s national commitments, including the national policy of gender equality, the national strategy action plan to eliminate gender-based violence, and, of course, Vision 2030.”

Among the next steps outlined were the appointment of gender focal points within the Ministry of Justice, the rollout of sector-wide gender sensitisation training, and the development of an accessible complaints mechanism—including features to be integrated into the soon-to-be-launched Social Justice App.

Counsellor Shehryar Sarwar, Head of Development Cooperation at the High Commission of Canada, also underscored the strategy’s transformative potential.

“Achieving gender equality in Jamaica requires justice sector institutions to implement laws, policies, and gender-responsive budgets, tackle discriminatory gender norms, and ensure the specific justice needs of women, girls, and boys,” Sarwar said. The strategy provides a framework for mainstreaming gender equality throughout the ministry, its departments, and affiliated agencies.”

Sarwar echoed the call for adequate funding and staffing to ensure the strategy’s success and reaffirmed Canada’s continued partnership with Jamaica and the UNDP in promoting human rights and justice. “Budget allocations must reflect the ministry’s commitment to gender equity. Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusive justice for all. We are proud to support the Ministry of Justice in its transformative journey and look forward to continued collaboration,” he added.

The strategy, developed under the Social Justice Project—a flagship initiative led by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Canada—offers a comprehensive framework for mainstreaming gender across all institutions in the justice sector.