Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
SOME WOMEN'S groups have expressed concern over a controversy that is brewing between the St. George's College Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and the school board, over the pending appointment of a female principal.
Last week, news surfaced that parents and students at the North Street-based institution in Kingston were against the appointment of a woman, noting that the process did not sufficiently accommodate competent males who were interested in the post.
"Using the sex of a person to determine their professional capability constitutes sexual discrimination, whether directed against a man or a woman," said Women's Media Watch.
According to the group, the attitude and qualification of the principal should be what really matters.
'PERMISSION' TO DISRESPECT
The group said the public objection to the appointment of the female principal provides young boys with 'permission' to disrespect and abuse women because of society's lack of recognition for women as role models in positions of authority and leadership.
Faith Webster, acting executive director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs, told The Gleaner yesterday that discrimination in any form against women could not be condoned.
She noted that, although the Constitution does not speak to discrimination on the basis of sex, Jamaica ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1979.
The executive director said more women were becoming qualified, and if they were more qualified for the job they should not be prevented from carrying out the duties.
One parent who vehemently opposed having a female principal at the school said boys need role models and that there were already two female vice-principals and other female heads of department.
Mrs. Webster agreed that more male role models were needed in schools, but she noted that programmes could be put in place to fill that need.
Women's Media Watch said the board's impending decision to appoint a female principal implies an openness that might be seen as a "challenge to the patriarchy so firmly in place in the Roman Catholic church."
As a result of the saga at the school, concerned parents sought the intervention of the Ministry of Education and Youth. But Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson told The Gleaner earlier this week that she would be intervening because the matter is outside her purview.
