Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, has underscored Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to advancing the work of women in the national security architecture, lauding them as “women of value and worth”.
He made the remarks on Tuesday (March 3) at the Reception for Regional Women, Peace and Security Symposium (WPS), at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.
The event, hosted by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in partnership with Canada’s Directorate of Military Training and Coorporation, convened regional leaders and security professionals to address evolving challenges and strengthen corporation across the region.
The Minister noted that sustainable peace and effective security policy cannot be achieved “without the meaningful participation of women at every level of decision-making. The Women, Peace and Security Agenda reminds us that protection, prevention and recovery efforts must reflect the differentiated impact of insecurity on women and girls,” Dr. Horace Chang said.
Furthermore, he expressed that security gains must never be measured solely by numbers, as “true security is about confidence in institutions, confidence in justice and confidence that citizens, particularly women and the vulnerable populations, can live free from fear”.
Highlighting Jamaica’s progress, Dr. Chang pointed to the increased representation of women in senior leadership roles across the JDF and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
He stressed, however, that representation must be matched by policy integration.
“Representation alone is not enough. We must ensure that policies, operational planning and peacebuilding initiatives fully integrate gender perspectives in ways that are practical, measureable and operationally relevant,” Minister Chang said.
He further noted that the WPS Agenda is not an abstract framework but a practical tool for strengthening operational effectiveness, intelligence gathering and resilience, while praising Canada’s partnership in advancing regional corporation.
“Defence cooperation, policy alignment and shared professional education create a multiplier effect for stability. Canada’s partnership underscores the importance of sustained international collaboration grounded in mutual respect and shared objectives,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.
Minister Chang, in concluding, reaffirmed Jamaica’s strategic vision, stating that Jamaica is committed to advancing a security model that is firm in enforcement, strategic in prevention and inclusive in leadership – adding that the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, strengthens that model.
“It challenges us to lead with purpose, to build institutions that reflect the societies they serve and to ensure that security reform is both effective and equitable,” Minister Chang said.
The Regional Women, Peace and Security Symposium was held in Kingston from March 2-4, under the theme “Advancing the WPS Agenda Through Defence Cooperation and Regional Dialogue”.
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