THE FOLLOWING is a International Women's Day message from Women's Media Watch:
Do we pay a price when we fail to understand why we need to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD)? Women's Media Watch-Jamaica believes there is much to be learnt by women, men and children in all walks of life by reflecting on the role of women in Jamaican society.
What is the price of not acknowledging the significance of the multiple roles that women have played in Jamaica's history?
We fail to recognise that women are the cornerstone of society, and treasure, nurture and respect them as we should.
What is the price of not treating women equally with men in the decision-making process as it concerns justice and democracy?
Our families cannot benefit from the insights and sense of fair play that women can bring to the process of building socially cohesive communities.
What is the price of not allowing women their right, as citizens, to equal access and opportunities to positions of leadership in all spheres of life?
Our society and our institutions benefit from the expertise and knowledge of only approximately one-half of the population.
What is the price of not supporting women in their quest to be leaders in the field of politics?
Jamaica cannot benefit from the abilities of those women who can be firm in leadership, while at the same time putting people at the centre of Jamaica's development policies.
What is the price of not knowing that the media has a crucial role to play in countering the gender inequality and gender conflict that often dominates male/female relationships?
Jamaica runs the risk of allowing the media to perpetuate relations of inequality between women and men which, as research has shown, contribute to damaging anti-social behaviour such as domestic violence.
We, at Women's Media Watch (Jamaica) have a vision of Jamaica which is
free from all forms of inequality and injustice
free from domestic violence against women, men and children - and most importantly,
a Jamaica in which women are celebrated, respected, loved and nurtured.
We invite all Jamaicans to celebrate International Women's Day with these thoughts in mind.
