What do you like most about being a woman?
It is very challenging being a minister. But the honour of being chosen by God is the wind beneath my wings. So despite the challenges, just knowing that I am chosen is what propels me.
If God didn’t see that I could do it then He would not have given me this mandate as a woman. So regardless of the hurdles that may come my way, I am going to face them and move ahead.
– Pastor Jasmin O Brown, overseer of the United Bibleway Church of God, Maryland, USA and Jamaica.
“I realised that I have invaded a man’s world,” she is quoted to have said in an interview with the Observer’s Desmond Allen on December 19, 2004. Today she tells all woman:
I think I have survived the worst. I am now doing good. For the past 20 years I have not seen myself different but as one of the team members. I remember entering the office at traffic headquarters and above the mirror in the guard room were the words, ‘Your future depends on the man you see in this mirror'(it was clear no woman was expected).
I have lived to see women at the higher rank in the police force. Even recently a woman was for the first time in history appointed as head of the technical telecommunications department. We have acquitted ourselves well. I feel we have achieved much. We have done ourselves proud and I believe the men in our society should be proud of us.
– Senior Supt Ionie Ramsay-Nelson, first woman motorcycle cop, first woman to go beyond rank of corporal in traffic division and first woman in charge of traffic in Kingston.
It was rough growing them. But I sought the Lord and he saw me through. It was really rough, especially living in the inner city of Maxfield Avenue. But I told the Lord I was putting them in His hands. Many times I had to walk from Maxfield to Half-Way-Tree to save my bus fare to give them lunch money the next day, but I can tell you, the Lord saw us through.
– Eula Henry, single mother of four. She worked as a domestic helper and sent her children through college. Today two of her children are journalists, and two senior accountants.
I like being my little sister’s favourite sister (smile). Gillian comes to me for advice and I like using the experience I’ve gained to help her, even though we’re just two years apart. I also like having the best sisters God could ever provide. My older sister Melinda is the least selfish person I know and she always makes me feel proud of myself, while my oldest sister Elizabeth is my rock, the voice of wisdom in our little unit.
-Tanya Scott, 28, and the middle sister.
This International Women’s Day:
Go learn about your rights
The Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Advocacy Committee, will have IWD outreach activity at the Jamaica Conference Centre on March 7 from 1:00-4:00 pm. Guest speaker will be Helene Davis-Whyte, General Secretary JALGO and vice-president, Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions.
The CEDAW Advocacy Committee is a network of organisations concerned about the rights of women. The Committee has been functional for over a year and has mainly worked with marginalised women to train them about their basic economic, reproductive and social rights.
On March 7, women who work in wholesales, household helpers and other marginalised women will be given the opportunity to learn about their rights in a creative way. They will also be informed about their benefits through the National Housing Trust, The National Insurance Scheme and CEDAW. The women will also get the chance to register with NIS and NHT on the day.
AMCHAM luncheon and Sip ‘N’ Tea
In recognition of IWD, the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) of Jamaica in association with Freight Handlers Ltd, will be hosting a luncheon at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. The luncheon will take place Wednesday, March 7 at 12:00 pm and will feature guest speaker, international motivational speaker, and author, Lorna Owens.
Dubbed, Everyday Grace, Everyday Miracle, the luncheon forms part of AMCHAM’S ongoing Speakers’ Forum Luncheon Series aimed at empowering participants while offering networking opportunities to members and friends.
Jamaican-born Owens has transformed herself multi-times from registered nurse, midwife, attorney, to a highly sought-after international speaker and author. She has spoken in over six countries and throughout the United States, and has been interviewed on NBC, TBN, our own TVJ, and Cayman TV.
Also, JAMPRO, in association with Women Travel 1st Class, will be hosting an event entitled, Sip ‘N Tea & Sisterhood, at JAMPRO’s head office on March 8. The event will seek to bring together approximately 100 of Jamaica’s leading female power brokers for an evening of High Tea, fun and entertainment.