Jamaica: UNDP launches gender equality certification programme for businesses in Caribbean
"UN Body Pushes For Gender Equality In Jamaican Workplaces", 7 Dec 2016
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is hoping Jamaica will become the first Caribbean nation with companies that gain certification under the Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme (GESCP). Already launched in at 12 Latin American countries with at least 1,400 companies certified, the GESCP is a globally recognised programme that "allows private and public sector organisations to address gender gaps in their organisation"...The programme "aims to address persisting gender gaps in the workplace by encouraging entities to create equitable conditions for both men and women and establishing environments where women's work and contributions are equally valued," ..."The target is to have at least 30 companies signed up by next March," Chounoune said, even as she noted the cultural barriers that must be overcome to effect the changes the programme hopes to establish...[Refers to Scotia Group, Jamaica National, Digicel, Rubis, Wysinco & the Development Bank of Jamaica]