RJRGLEANER to release book, online special to mark International Women’s Day

The RJRGLEANER Communications Group will this year honour the sterling contributions of Jamaica’s women to development in a unique way on International Women’s Day, Sunday, March 8.

On the day, every hour, The Gleaner Online will release a special tribute to one woman – a total of 24 will be showcased for their work in various sectors.

“It’s important that these specific women are showcased as pioneers and role models as they have given unique contributions to the country,” said Digital Sales and Marketing Manager Karma-Gaye Williams. “We’ve heard stories of their successes, struggles, and family life that have made each and every one of them stronger along their journey.”

On Monday, March 9, in association with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and JN Bank, the multimedia group will formally ­introduce a book saluting 60 ­extraordinary women locally and from the diaspora.

Jamaican Women of Distinction: Holding Up More Than Half The Sky, will be launched at the Courtleigh Hotel in St Andrew, and at the S Hotel in Montego Bay, St James, where the charity Sarah’s Children will host these distinguished women. The women profiled in the book have made stellar contributions to the nation in the fields of commerce, politics, arts and culture, sport, music, science, medicine, ­technology, law, education, security, journalism, trade unionism, and the public service.

Exceptional achievements

RJRGLEANER Group Chief Financial Officer Andrea Messam notes that the book showcases the exceptional ­achievements of women at all levels. “Launching this book will signal to ­generations to come that our women have played their part and stood toe to toe with our counterparts in the building of our nation and in making our nation one of the strongest brands in the world,” she said.

Also on Monday, March 9, The Gleaner’s flagship Flair magazine will publish The Distinguished. This memento will highlight the unique stories of 14 women across 14 parishes who are making daring moves and influencing the lives of others in their communities.

Lifestyle Editor Tickoya Joseph said that goal was to put on display local champions who are innovators in their endeavours and role models for the next generation of women to excel and thrive. “Since the first staging in 2018, The Distinguished, an event to celebrate women, has become a movement of strong women who support each other and have also taken up the mantle of using their expertise to guide the younger generation in their respective fields,” she said.