In its report on Jamaica, the 36th session of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) which was held from held August 7-25 2006, expressed deep concern about the "persistence of strong patriarchal attitudes and deep-rooted stereotypes regarding the roles, responsibilities and identities of women and men in all spheres of Jamaican life, which are discriminatory of women."

The persistence of such values, the report said, underpins discrimination against women in many spheres, and condones gender-based violence and promiscuous behaviour by men.

The committee expressed regret that no sustained, systematic action has yet been taken by the Jamaican Government to modify or eliminate stereotypes and negative cultural values and practices that discriminate against women and prevented them from enjoying their human rights.

Comprehensive strategy

The committee urged the Government of Jamaica to "put in place, without delay, a comprehensive strategy, including clear goals and time tables, to modify or eliminate negative cultural practices and stereotypes that discriminate against women."

It urged the government to "undertake such efforts in coordination with a wide range of stakeholders, and in all sectors of society. It also urged the government to put in place monitoring mechanisms and to regularly assess progress made towards the achievement of established goals.

Excerpted from 'CEDAW for Jamaicans' produced by the Women's Resource and Outreach Centre, Kingston and the August 2006 report on Jamaica of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Thirty-sixth session.

Email roc@cwjamaica.com

Laad Jean, how you could a sing a song like that, that dis women? You don't realise that the song is about how man can boast that him have nuff woman - nuff gyal as a matter of fact?