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The JLP is committed to the principles of
gender equality and balance. When we
have true gender equality we will see equal
numbers of women and men operating at
all levels, including leadership. We have
therefore identified several areas of focus
for the next 5 years, in line with the 2011
National Policy for Gender Equality, Vision
2030 and other international and regional
agreements and conventions.
The JLP will continue its commitment to
gender mainstreaming in public sector
entities, i.e. taking conscious steps to
assess the different implications for women
and men, of any planned policy action,
including legislation and programmes.
Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence continues to be a major concern of the
JLP. Far too many of our women and girls are subject to various
forms of abuse including sexual abuse and domestic violence. The
Party will continue to address these issues through the following
actions:
•
Enactment of legislation against Sexual Harassment
•
Continued sensitization about Human Trafficking
•
Establishment of Permanent and Temporary Shelters
for women victims of domestic violence with appropriate
accommodation for children
•
Review of Legislation on Sexual Offences, Domestic
Violence and Childcare and Protection
•
Implementation of the National Strategic Action Plan to
Eliminate Gender-Based Violence
•
Putting resources in place to improve livelihoods of rural
women through new and existing programmes
Men and Masculinities
The JLP recognizes that boys are now forming a critical vulnerable
group and that men and boys tend to be under-represented in
education.
In keeping with the SGD goal 5, a focus will be placed on the boy
child. The JLP Government will strengthen training programmes
targeting unattached and vulnerable youth. We will also ensure
that counselling programmes are made available
GENDER
ISSUES
Decent Work for Domestic Workers
The JLP recognizes the worth of domestic workers and their
contribution to national development.
The JLP Government commits to Jamaica’s ratification of the ILO
Convention 189, Decent Work for Domestic Workers, to improve
the lives and working conditions of domestic workers.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and
Rights/HIV and AIDS
The JLP government will seek to ensure that women and
girls have the information, tools and access to facilities to
meet their sexual and reproductive health needs and as
outlined in the Programme of Action of the International
Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), with
a view to reducing early and unplanned pregnancies.