In fulfilling its mandate to eliminate all forms of violence against women, Woman Inc held the second of their public forums on 'Emerging Trends' at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston last Monday.

Executive director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs (BWA), Faith Webster, commended the organisation on its work. She noted that there was much work to be done which could not be achieved by government alone, and she thanked Woman Inc for helping the national machinery.

Focus

The forum focused on the major ills affecting women. They ranged from domestic violence, trafficking, human rights and legislative reforms for women's protection.

In focusing on domestic violence, public educator/legal reform coordinator at Woman Inc, Joni Gaye Cawley, said all had a role to play. She encouraged the audience saying, "We can be the agents of change, let them know that it's not acceptable."

Attorney-at-law and legal officer at Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights, Nancy Anderson, notes that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that was adopted in 1948 applies to both men and women.

However, 40 per cent of women in the region are victims of domestic and sexual violence despite amendments to the laws. She said that any law that restricts women should be declared null and void.