Report on the Annual Gathering of the Group of Women Parliamentarians
Advocating for Women’s Equality in Parliament: Success Stories
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Strategies for “Positive Listening” in Jamaica
Senator Duncan-Price began her presentation by saying that Jamaica – like most of the countries present – is a signatory to CEDAW, and its Charter of Rights speaks to the equality of rights of women and men in all spheres. While there is therefore formal or legal equality, there is no parity or equity in political decision-making. For this reason, she tabled the Motion to Advance Women’s Leadership in Politics and Decision-Making.
Because of the progress women have made in Jamaica, some put up resistance and questioned the legitimacy of the bill, asking why women wanted even more power. The country’s prime minister is a woman, and women lead certain arms of the government like the judiciary. Women have made strides in the education sector as well; 62% of university students and 55% of the graduates of the national vocational school are women.
Senator Duncan-Price’s answer to the scepticism was that as a group making up 51% of the Jamaican population, women have not come far enough. Women are not present equally around decision-making tables, nor are they sufficiently represented in political leadership roles. Since 1944, only 35 women have been elected to parliament, or 10% of the total of 362. Women now represent only 12.7% of members of parliament, 20% of cabinet members, 28.6% of appointed senators, and 16.6% of councillors.
Women’s absence from power is reflected in economic vulnerabilities and deep schisms as well. In Jamaica women are twice as likely to be unemployed, and, despite a law passed 40 years ago on this issue, women earn approximately 12.5% less than men in the same jobs. Women also comprise less than 20% of private sector boards of directors and 35% of public sector boards.
This is not good enough, she said, after 50 years of political independence and after 70 years of universal adult suffrage. “Indeed, the system remains inequitably favourable towards men” she said.
The lived experiences of women and men
remind us that patriarchy is alive and well.
Following Dr. Incháustegui’s presentation, panellists shared their experiences promoting women’s equality in their respective parliaments. The guest speaker and panellists also responded to comments from the floor during a question and answer period.
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