Need for Enhanced Funding for Women in Politics, Says ECJ Chairman
The Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), Earl Jarrett, has underscored the pressing need for increased financial support for women political candidates to create a more equitable political landscape.
During the opening ceremony of the Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Missions workshop on women’s political participation held at the S Hotel in Kingston, Jarrett highlighted the critical barriers that prevent greater female involvement in politics, particularly emphasizing the role of funding.
Barriers to Female Participation
Jarrett stated, “There are some limiting factors that cause women not to fully participate, and it has been well studied, part of which is funding. How do you get the appropriate funding to affect the campaign in a world where women don’t have the same amount of network as men, funding that is required to enable a campaign to be run?”
He advocated for political parties to initiate transformative change by incorporating quotas for women’s participation within their codes of conduct, rules, and policies.
State Support for Political Campaigns
The ECJ Chairman pointed out that while Jamaican laws allow state funding for political campaigns, most financing has historically come from private sources. He suggested that the government consider allocating funds specifically to support underrepresented communities, particularly women.
“That is something that you might want to think about, and how we can do that in a manner that is not prejudicial in any way,” he remarked.
Systemic Issues and Female Representation
During his address, Jarrett also noted the broader implications of underrepresentation in leadership roles, stating that only about 27 percent of board positions are held by women. He emphasized that this reflects not just a political issue, but a systemic one that requires attention.
“The reality is that if you go to a University of the West Indies (UWI) graduation exercise, you find that over 75 percent of the graduates are women,” he said, reinforcing that women are equally capable of leadership and management roles.
As of October 2024, women hold only 16 out of 63 seats in Jamaica’s Parliament, showcasing the ongoing need for initiatives aimed at increasing female representation in governance.
Conclusion
The Electoral Commission of Jamaica operates as an independent agency tasked with organizing and supervising elections and referendums, with the primary aim of ensuring the democratic foundations of Jamaica are upheld. By enabling eligible voters to freely and fairly elect their representatives, the ECJ continues to support the growth of a more inclusive political environment—one where women’s voices can resonate and contribute meaningfully.
