Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
Marketing and Communications Manager of JMMB, Catherine Davis presents a cheque of $100,000 to the president of Woman Inc. Carol Sewell at the launch of Woman Inc. Trust Fund on Monday. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WOMEN'S GROUPS say the 'glass ceiling' is under pressure, following the recent election of 60-year old Portia Simpson Miller as president-elect of the People's National Party (PNP) and prime minister designate.
The 'glass ceiling' refers to the artificial barrier that prevents certain individuals from moving up to the highest level in an organisation or occupation.
"I think that we have cracked the glass ceiling (but) we still have a far way to go," said Faith Webster, acting executive director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs. "It (Mrs. Simpson Miller's victory) has proven that it can happen and it can set a precedence which other women can follow." Mrs. Webster said Mrs. Simpson Miller's feat will pave the way for women in decision making in Jamaica.
STRONG MESSAGE TO WOMEN
Gender expert, Dr. Glenda Simms concurred: "This is a major crack in the glass ceiling (but) I would not say we have shattered it as yet. It is a strong message to women and for us it is very significant."
The plaudits for Simpson Miller come ahead of the observance of International Women's Day under the theme, 'Women in Decision Making: Meeting Challenges, Creating Change', on Wednesday.
Dr. Simms pointed out that women's groups worldwide have been advocating for women to participate at the highest level of decision making.
Carol Sewell, president of Woman Inc., said Mrs. Simpson Miller's victory is evidence that women are moving into areas once dominated by men.
"It is historic, because she is the first female president elect and prime minister designate. It means that women are moving up the ladder," she said.
In January, Charles Clayton, research and cooperation manager at the Jamaica Employers' Federation (JEF) predicted that in the next 10 years, there would be more female than male managers in the labour force.
SURVEY
Mr. Clayton's prediction was based on the findings of the JEF 2005 Wages and Salaries Survey. Eighty-three companies participated in the survey.
The survey was conducted over the period June-September 2005. Sixty-four per cent of the executives surveyed were males while 36 per cent were females. But Mr. Clayton noted that this trend was likely to change as there are currently more females in middle management positions and more females are accessing higher education.
Family psychologist, Dr. Barry Davidson told The Sunday Gleaner that Simpson Miller's victory has given Jamaican women a "mental liberation which proves that they are not limited to certain kinds of jobs".
As it relates to the glass ceiling, Dr. Davidson said Mrs. Simpson Miller has proven that women can break the ceiling and reach the pinnacle.
He noted that not only has Mrs. Simpson Miller demonstrated that a woman can be the 'boss in charge', but her humble background has also provided hope for people of the lower social stratum.
