Sagicor Bank CEO Chorvelle Johnson Cunningham has praised Jamaica’s strides in female leadership while calling for a renewed commitment to unity and empowerment among women.

Speaking at the Women of Western Jamaica (WOWJa) breakfast launch held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre last Thursday (April 24), Johnson Cunningham emphasised that despite persistent challenges, Jamaica continues to be a global leader in women’s leadership.

“Jamaica stands out globally for its high proportion of women in leadership positions and women who run businesses. We taught the global business for female leadership, which I call it 60 per cent because 59.3 per cent—that’s a real big deal,” Johnson said.

However, she acknowledged the ongoing struggle faced by women to overcome societal myths and internalised stereotypes.

“But we know there are several myths about women. Why we [are] so emotional, we make irrational decisions, we cannot work together for the common goal. The big one, we don’t support each other. Women are great, but not at top leadership position,” she said.

Johnson Cunningham, describing the recently formed WOWJa as a game-changer, urged the group of female movers and shakers in attendance to take charge of their role in shaping the region.

“But this (Thursday) morning, you guys are shaping the fabric of this region. You’ll be sharing your experiences, showing that you really know how to support and empower and learn from each other. You have to be the engine behind the success of western Jamaica. You will have to be the catalyst that is and will be needed to build western Jamaica,” she said.

She delivered a direct challenge to the group, encouraging them to embrace their power and act decisively.

“Now, can I say it straight up, we have to step up as women, and that’s what WOWJa is saying they’re going to do, and we have to hold you guys’ feet to the fire, because Jamaica needs that change,” she charged.

Johnson Cunningham also challenged the members of WOWJa to unite with purpose and shine boldly, declaring that their impact should radiate across western Jamaica and beyond.

“So when we unite, when we are determined, as you are, to be the light that will be permeated, the light that will be radiated will be seen and felt all across western Jamaica,” she argued.

She added, “But I go further, it will be seen across Jamaica, right? Because what you can’t hide, I think the Bible say you can’t hide a light under a bushel. So it’s what you’re supposed to do. Just start shining like a North Star. So we have to start doing that. This expectation is not a simple one. These are huge shoes to fit, because we’ve gotten set in our ways to do things one way. We have become the women who are quiet, the women who yes, you want a job, yes, you can do the job, but you’ll never put your hand up or step up because, you know, say, man and man a friend and a man have to get the job.”

Noting the vital role women play as mothers, the Sagicor Bank Limited CEO urged the influential women present to take responsibility for the nation’s children.

“So we have to stop turning a blind eye. Is not my pickney dat, is not my problem-it is all of us problem. And until the day we recognise that the crime, the violence, all the rape and all those things that are happening to our children in this country is our problem, it’s not the Government or the Opposition to fix it. We have to rise up as women and fix it. And fixing it does not mean being silent,” she said.

“I hear everybody talking about those women this morning, but there’s a woman that is missing. We’re mothers. We are mothers. We are the Mother Earth of this nation, and whether we like it or not, our boys need us just as well as the girls do,” she added.

 WOWJa was conceived by journalist Janet Silvera 15 years ago. 

“About 15 years ago, I tried to bring this vision to life. We had our first meeting, and then? Nothing. Life happened,  timing wasn’t right, energy wasn’t aligned. But sometimes, God delays a thing so He can perfect the people,” Silvera disclosed. 

She explained that the initiative was born from a desire to see women in western Jamaica collaborate more intentionally—negotiating deals, referring clients, and building pipelines of power and success.

Silvera emphasised that WOWJa is more than a networking group, but a true sisterhood rooted in mentorship, empowerment, and mutual business support.