Vox pop

Last week, the Senate was asked to approve an increase in the retirement age for women, from 60 to 65 years old.

The Gleaner spoke with several women and got some responses.

Glenna Gordon: I don't think it's a good idea. For a woman to work five extra years, especially in a job that's very hectic and very challenging, no, I don't want that. I think they should leave it up to the individual to decide; make it optional.

Shanika Norman: I don't have a problem with that because I believe that, at that age, most women are still fit enough to work.

D'Andro Clarke: I don't have a problem with that because some women, after age 60, just sit at home getting bored, and are strong enough to go on working. I think it's a positive move.

Sharon Reid, president of the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools: I do not agree that the retirement age for women should go up to 65 years, I think it is a very unreasonable request to make it compulsory because a woman who works up to 60 years, having in addition a family to care for, has done all that is required of her, and going on to 65 years would be too much.