Women's Empowerment in Jamaica

Jamaica is the third-largest island of the Caribbean, and it gained its independence from the UK in 1962. Despite independence, Jamaica continues to be behind in economic prosperity. Additionally, women in Jamaica experience unequal access to employment opportunities. And although the country is making efforts to equalize pay and opportunities, women's empowerment in Jamaica continues to be a real problem. 

Women's empowerment includes providing an environment for efficient and productive women to experience entrepreneurship. And pay equality will help the entire society of Jamaica and the economic growth. But that is only a part of the problem for women’s empowerment in Jamaica. 

Defining Women's Empowerment 

The very definition of "women's empowerment" is as follows. 

"Women's empowerment (or female empowerment) is the process of empowering women. It may be defined in several ways, including accepting women's viewpoints or making an effort to seek them, raising the status of women through education, awareness, literacy, and training. Women's empowerment equips and allows women to make life-determining decisions through the different problems in society. They may have the opportunity to redefine gender roles or other such roles, which in turn may allow them more freedom to pursue desired goals." -Wikipedia.com 

Therefore, it seems fitting to address the empowerment tools as stated in the definition. 

• Empowerment through seeking out and accepting women's viewpoints. 
• Raising the status of women through education, awareness, literacy, and training. 

• Equip and allow women to make life-determining decisions through the different problems in society. 

Seeking Out and Accepting Women's Viewpoints 

Changing the attitudes of the Jamaican culture are those women who are currently in politics. Lisa Hanna is a member of Parliament Saint Ann South East Constituency Jamaica. As Ms. Hanna and other members of the Jamaican Cabinet forge the paths to women's empowerment as they make concerted efforts to hear women out. And they are excellent examples of just such voices. 

The cultural biases that have existed in history cannot continue. They lead to women being abused and impoverished. Without a voice, they have nothing to stand on. 

Raising the Status of Women 

No doubt raising the status of women in the culture of Jamaica will assist in the empowerment efforts. But just how is that accomplished? The definition suggests that through education, awareness, literacy, and training, the goal is attainable.  

The main caveat to that definition is the very education on Jamaican women. You may think it is a good statistic that 94% of girls go to school in the Caribbean. However, they are not able to follow through with gainful employment. And when they do, they are paid significantly less than men. 

The issue of teen pregnancy is another obstacle to the growth of women in education and employment. Many women are still dismissed from school until after they have the baby, and then returning may not be an option.  

And that is where changes in cultural and societal norms are essential. 

Societal Involvement 

Society's involvement is a must for the situation to grow and change for the better year by year. The good news is that groups are working toward women's empowerment in various ways. 

Fortunately, the Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation helps teen mothers return to school through counseling, maternal support, skills training for those unable to return to school, and early interventions. Additionally, they provide resources to prevent early unwanted pregnancies. 

Then there are organizations such as Kayifi Youth Outreach, where "professionals, experts, and entrepreneurs come together to offer knowledge, skills, and advice to Caribbean youth." When we educate and encourage both men and women on equality and new societal ways of thinking, we may begin to see a brighter future for both women and men in Jamaica.  

Other Issues Facing Women's Empowerment 

Other than those listed above, it is evident that the cultural norms of Jamaica are still needing improvement. Here are a few of the topics society can help with to empower women in Jamaica. 

1. Women's right to independent movement. 
2. Protection from sexual harassment in the workplace. 
3. Paid maternity leave continues as an ongoing issue needing to be addressed. 
4. Women need to be able to access credit, sign documents, own property, and register businesses. 

It is a continual struggle worldwide, but women's empowerment in Jamaica can be improved upon significantly with awareness and participation. 

CITED: Wikipedia, Emerald.com, Jamaica-gleaner.com, dogoodjamaica.org