Ring the Bell for Gender Equality: “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”

March 13, 2025, Kingston Jamaica: “As women we are here not just to celebrate how far we have come but to demand more: more opportunities, more respect, more seats at the table.”

This was the key message from the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange who delivered remarks at the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) and UN Women ‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality’ event. The Minister expressed gratitude to the organisers of the RTB event for inviting her to participate in this significant initiative for the seventh year in a row. 

‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality’, a global initiative, is held each year in observance of International Women’s Day (IWD). This year’s theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” called for action to unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind.

Dr. Marlene Street Forrest, the outgoing JSE Managing Director who has led the Exchange for more than two decades, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating:

“As we ring the bell today, let it serve as more than as a symbol. Let it be a real commitment to invest in women, to strengthen policies that promote equality and to ensure that financial markets work for everyone.”

She stressed that despite notable gains made for women, inequalities still exist: “Studies indicate that at the current pace of progress, it may take over 130 years to achieve gender balance globally. We do not have that time! We do not have 130 years...so we really need to accelerate this pace! Today as we ring the bell for gender equality, join me to send a clear and powerful message: Women and girls belong at every table every space every decision that impacts the world.”

In her remarks, Monique Long, Planning and Coordination Specialist - UN Women Multi-Country Office Caribbean, highlighted the significance of 2025 as the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action; a milestone that presents a crucial opportunity to reflect on the progress made in advancing gender equality.

Ms. Long explained: “The Beijing Declaration remains the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide. Since its adoption, it has reshaped the global agenda by driving legal reforms, expanding access to essential services, fostering youth engagement, and challenging deep-rooted social norms and stereotypes”.

The event also included a panel discussion which provided a platform for women business leaders, policymakers, and advocates to explore the issues of:

• imbalances in labour participation, 
• unpaid domestic work, 
• the digital revolution and its impact on women, 
• the empowerment of women and girls through financial literacy and  
• the challenges faced by women in positions of leadership.

Members of the panel included Dr. Una Clarke - former New York City Councilwoman; Ms Audrey Tugwell Henry - President and CEO of Scotia Group Jamaica; Mrs. Sharon Coburn Robinson - Principal Director of the Bureau of Gender Affairs;  Ms. Monique Long, UN Women;  Ms. Denise Daley - Member of Parliament for St Catherine Eastern; Ms. Stacey Knight - attorney-at-law at Knight, Junior & Samuels Law Firm and Ms. Yaniece Gentles - Chief Financial Officer, C&W Business.

In identifying the call for action for the 2025 IWD RTB event, panellists and participants alike were in agreement that ‘the time for action is now’. The room energetically echoed popular song lyrics “Action! Not a bag a mout” (Action, not just talk), as a charge for women and men to take accelerated action to advance gender equality.

International Women’s Day and the annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality initiative presents an opportunity for stakeholders to continue to take meaningful action and invest in promoting women’s rights and gender equality.