Rights a di plan, wid CEDAW in wi han - CEDAW for Jamaicans

Reviewer: Glenda Anderson

In the last decade, no other situation has attracted the attention of the world as have social and human rights issues, especially as they relate to the welfare of women and children.

In fact, recently the issue of women's reproductive rights in relation to abortion and the provision of care for women and girls at risk for HIV/AIDS, captivated local media.

At last count, some 20,000 children in Jamaica were affected by HIV/AIDS and young women in Caribbean between 15 and 24 are up to six times more likely to be affected by HIV than men.

But even as Jamaica has seen successes through the tireless effort of NGOs, private citizens, media and government agencies, more needs to be done.

Importantly, women themselves need to know and be involved in the fight for their basic rights.In this regard, the latest work, a colloboration of local group - Women's Resource and Outreach Centre (WROC), UNIFEM Caribbean and the CEDAW steering committee is a must-read for persons serious about effecting change through empowering the individual, and whole communities.

Rights a di plan, wid CEDAW in wi han' - CEDAW for Jamaicans is a rich compilation of crucial data, packaged for an easy read.An attractive, thin (44 pages) booklet lays out - dialogue-style, the details of one of the most crucial documents addressing human rights. Appendices provide ready reference to conference and policy facts, largely in layman's terms.

Discrimination

The booklet provides information on the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women or CEDAW. CEDAW, also referred to as a 'Women's Bill of Rights', is used to fight discrimination and promote women's rights in Jamaica as well as in other countries, the publication notes.

CEDAW was adopted by the United Nations in 1979 and came into force as an international agreement or treaty in September 1981. The Jamaican Government signed the treaty in 1984 and committed the Jamaican state to do four things;

- Ensure there is not discrimination , whether directly or indirectly against women in the law.

- To protect women from discrimination by private individuals whether in the home or the society, by the courts system, Government or private organisations and businesses.

- To improve and secure the rights of women not only on paper, but in reality through appropriate policies and programmes.

- To address on an ongoing basis the longstanding and deeply rooted prejudices and stereotypes against women.

The booklet sets out to inform women of these rights and so much more, some of which already exist in law, for example, the right to protection from harm or abuse, and point to commitments made by the state (Concluding Comments) in an August 2006 session at the United Nations in New York.

For example, while pregant women have a right to maternity leave with pay once they meet the conditions, and women in general should receive the same pay as men doing the same work of the same value, inconsistencies abound.

Government, as per its commitment, is urged to; monitor the situation in the workplace including making sure that domestic workers receive maternity benefits under the National Insurance Scheme; pass laws that ban sexual harassment at the workplace; pass changes to the Equal Pay for Men and Women Act.

Is this possible?

Jamaica has to report in 2009 on what has been done to address the recommendations.The booklet encourages men and women to be vigilant to secure their own freedoms. If knowledge is power - the document is a crucial tool.