Gender Policy launched

The UWI has historically concerned itself with issues of gender justice. From inception, it was open to women on the same terms and conditions that are applicable to men. In May 2018, a gender policy was launched, formalising the University's commitment to gender justice and establishing a framework for its implementation.

From left to right: Ambassador Richard Bernal, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Affairs, The UWI; Prof. Dale Webber, then Pro Vice-Chan- cellor for Graduate Studies & Research, The UWI; Dr Camille Bell-Hutchinson, Registrar, The UWI, Mona; Prof. Opal Adisa, University Director, The UWI Institute For Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Regional Coordinating Office; Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, LLD (Hon) former Prime Minister of Jamaica and Honorary Graduate of The UWI; Hon Alando Terrelonge, State Minister in the Ministry of Culture, Gender Affairs, Entertainment and Sport; Prof. Eudine Barriteau, GCM, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal The UWI, Cave Hill and Prof. of Gender and Public Policy; Prof. Elsa Leo Rhynie, former Principal, The UWI, Mona; Prof. Barbara Bailey, former Regional Coordinator, IGDS; Prof. Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI and Dr. Leith Dunn, Senior Lecturer/ Head, The UWI Institute for Gender and Development Studies, Mona Campus.

Development of the policy was led by former Director of The UWI IGDS Regional Coordinating Office, Professor Verene A. Shepherd. Current Director, Professor Opal Adisa, will lead its implementation along with a Gender Mainstreaming Committee responsible for championing gender justice across The UWI.

The policy will inform changes necessary at all levels of the regional university towards the promotion of gender justice, and address issues of equity, sensitivity and resource allocation. It is also a blueprint to incorporate issues of gender and development and to express the fundamental principles vital to sustainable growth and development throughout the Caribbean.

Prof. Elsa Leo Rhynie, former Principal, The UWI, Mona; Prof. Eudine Barriteau, GCM, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal The UWI, Cave Hill and Prof. of Gender and Public Policy; Prof. Opal Adisa, University Director, The UWI IGDS, Regional Coordinating Office; and Prof. Barbara Bailey, former Regional Coordinator, The UWI IGDS.

The UWI's commitment to gender mainstreaming is reiterated in the Triple A Strategy, where gender justice is included among the University's core values. This official policy further bolsters the University's commitment to enforcing the tenets of gender justice throughout the institution. It also sets a precedent in doing so, providing a model as a university of best practice.