The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport is committed to working and partnering with community groups to provide opportunities for rural women and girls to succeed.
Acting Director for the Community Liaison Unit in the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), Nardia McLaren, made the declaration as she addressed an International Day of Rural Women workshop held at the Sean Lavery Faith Hall in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, on October 25.
She said that empowering women is key to achieving greater gender equality, reducing gender inequities and achieving a sustainable future.
“Rural women not only benefit the environment but they help in alleviating poverty through their small businesses and farming,” she pointed out, noting that the impact of Hurricane Beryl on farming communities underscored the importance of support systems for rural women.
The workshop marked the culmination of a series of activities by the BGA to mark International Day of Rural Women, which was observed globally on October 15.
Under the theme ‘Empowering Rural Women: Achieving A Sustainable Future’, the workshop engaged women and girls in various activities to enhance their personal and economic development and overall well-being.
“We had a health fair, a financial literacy event and more, aimed at improving physical and mental health, money management, farming as a business, scaling your business, investing, and income generation for your family and yourself,” Ms. McLaren said.
She informed that nine similar sessions were conducted across the island on the day.
Ms. McLaren noted that when equipped with the tools and knowledge, rural women are empowered to achieve financial security, and contribute more to the welfare of the family and community.
Among the participating entities was the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers (JNRWP), which has partnered with the BGA; the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining; Ministry of Health and Wellness, and Jamaica Red Cross to organise outreach activities to support rural women.
Member of the JNRWP, Charmaine Samuels, told JIS News that in response to Hurricane Beryl, an emergency relief and recovery plan was implemented with support from CARE International.
This initiative, she said, included shelter rehabilitation and counselling services for affected farmers.
“As we celebrate International Day of Rural Women, let us renew our commitment to supporting rural women as they continue to grow our food, build stronger economies and lead the fight against climate change,” Ms. Samuels said.
