Gender equity: A model for prosperity
There is greater need for women to be on public boards and commissions that are critical to decision making about the development of Jamaica. Not only is there call to action for women to be selected for these positions, qualified and competent women who are needed, and yes, they exist. I am imploring the current decision-makers in Jamaica, yes we are a country that is accustomed to making decisions on a partisan politics basis but if Vision 2030 is to be anywhere near achieved then the interest of the country must supersede that of political parties.
The nation in Vision 2030 has committed that the Jamaican governance structures and processes will reflect gender equity in representation and decision-making at every level (Vision 2030 Gender Sector Plan, (July 2009/June 2010, p. 71.).
Currently a number of public boards have displayed great disparity between the gender balance in decision-making positions. The gender disparity that I speak of, is not just against women but also men. Traditionally, women are welcomed with open arms in care-giving posts such as early childhood education, consumer protection, and children's home and general geriatric care. Boards such as these are predominantly led by a female chairperson and has approximately 80 - 90% of the Board of Directors females merely because these areas are 'women roles'. Are we saying that men must not be caring? Then they say they are absent!
There are technical boards which have less than 5% representing females and some that are all males. Women in Jamaica today are becoming more proficient in technical areas and are making themselves available to represent the nation. However, since technical work is a 'man's world', where is she going?
Additionally, in our parliament, there is an overwhelming amount of men. More women are needed in representational politics, therefore, a quota system would eliminate the old patriarchal institution that seeks to alienate women from the political arena.
I say, lets endorse "The 51% Coalition: Development and Empowerment through Equity". Lets support the future of Jamaica, "a place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business".
295
There is greater need for women to be on public boards and commissions that are critical to decision making about the development of Jamaica. Not only is there call to action for women to be selected for these positions, qualified and competent women who are needed, and yes, they exist. I am imploring the current decision-makers in Jamaica, yes we are a country that is accustomed to making decisions on a partisan politics basis but if Vision 2030 is to be anywhere near achieved then the interest of the country must supersede that of political parties.
The nation in Vision 2030 has committed that the Jamaican governance structures and processes will reflect gender equity in representation and decision-making at every level (Vision 2030 Gender Sector Plan, (July 2009/June 2010, p. 71.).
Currently a number of public boards have displayed great disparity between the gender balance in decision-making positions. The gender disparity that I speak of, is not just against women but also men. Traditionally, women are welcomed with open arms in care-giving posts such as early childhood education, consumer protection, and children's home and general geriatric care. Boards such as these are predominantly led by a female chairperson and has approximately 80 - 90% of the Board of Directors females merely because these areas are 'women roles'. Are we saying that men must not be caring? Then they say they are absent!
There are technical boards which have less than 5% representing females and some that are all males. Women in Jamaica today are becoming more proficient in technical areas and are making themselves available to represent the nation. However, since technical work is a 'man's world', where is she going?
Additionally, in our parliament, there is an overwhelming amount of men. More women are needed in representational politics, therefore, a quota system would eliminate the old patriarchal institution that seeks to alienate women from the political arena.
I say, lets endorse "The 51% Coalition: Development and Empowerment through Equity". Lets support the future of Jamaica, "a place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business".
Quotas
Quotas are pragmatic when they are endorsed by all sector of leadership and follower-ship. We can make a difference if there is total buy-in both in the public and private sectors.
Women, more so, must recognize that we are the main supporters of politicians, consumer goods and services, hence our participation is crucial to the success of a quota system of governance.
Quotas
Quotas do a disservice to the group they are supposed to benefit. In any organization, a person who helps fill a quota is automatically assumed to be of less value than those chosen without regard for quota. It would not matter if a board of twelve people had 11 morons and a brilliant person who also filled a quota. That last person would not be taken as seriously as the morons.
Additionally, in the minds of the people who have racist, misogynistic or other prejudices, the quota person is less and will be treated as such. However subtle this mistreatment is, it will eventually lower the actual ability of the quota person(s) to impact the board or organization.
295
Quotas
Quotas are pragmatic when they are endorsed by all sector of leadership and follower-ship. We can make a difference if there is total buy-in both in the public and private sectors.
Women, more so, must recognize that we are the main supporters of politicians, consumer goods and services, hence our participation is crucial to the success of a quota system of governance.
Quotas
Quotas do a disservice to the group they are supposed to benefit. In any organization, a person who helps fill a quota is automatically assumed to be of less value than those chosen without regard for quota. It would not matter if a board of twelve people had 11 morons and a brilliant person who also filled a quota. That last person would not be taken as seriously as the morons.
Additionally, in the minds of the people who have racist, misogynistic or other prejudices, the quota person is less and will be treated as such. However subtle this mistreatment is, it will eventually lower the actual ability of the quota person(s) to impact the board or organization.