Prime Minister Andrew Holness has committed to gender equality, as a priority of the government, under its prosperity plan.

He was addressing the Women in Law Conference at the University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters, today (Mar 8).

Mr. Holness pointed out that much of the policy initiatives geared toward achieving gender equality was announced during the finance minister’s budget presentation yesterday.

The Prime Minister also stated that government policy regarding gender equality must be geared at treating with issues of violence from a gender perspective.

Mr. Holness noted that as part of government’s efforts to tackle gender based violence, funding has been allocated for 2 more women’s shelters.

Meantime, Gender Minister Olivia Grange said Jamaica is experiencing a new consciousness in relation to gender equality.

Speaking at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) International Women’s Day breakfast forum, Ms. Grange pointed-out that “Breaking through to the next level of gender equality in the Jamaican workplace” is a suited topic for this year’s International Women’s Day.

She said the government remains committed to gender equality as a pre-condition for an indicator of a people centred approach.

The gender minister led a women’s march from Carder Park to Market Square in Port Antonio, Portland this morning (Mar 8) in commemoration of International Women’s Day.