Women are driving the majority of businesses supported through the Social Development Commission (SDC) Local Economic Development Support Programme, accounting for more than 60 per cent of the approximately 400 enterprises assisted each year.
According to SDC Executive Director Omar Frith, these women-led initiatives generate millions of dollars in annual income while creating more than 1,200 jobs, underscoring the vital role women play in strengthening Jamaica’s local economy.
Frith made the remarks while addressing the SDC St. James Women’s Empowerment and Opportunities Fair at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre on Wednesday.
He stressed that women should be recognised as key contributors to national development rather than simply recipients of support.
“Women are not just recipients of service and support; women are creating opportunities and building our local economy, and so investment in you (women) is extremely important,” Frith said.
He noted that the empowerment fair reflects the SDC’s ongoing commitment to building stronger communities by empowering women through access to resources and opportunities.
“We know that when women succeed, families become stronger, communities become resilient and local economies grow. Our nation prospers,” he added.
Frith also highlighted the organisation’s own commitment to gender representation, noting that nine of the SDC’s 14 parish managers are women, while women make up half of its board of directors, including one of its deputy executive directors.
The Women’s Empowerment and Opportunities Fair was organised by the SDC St. James Parish Office in partnership with the Flanker Community Development Committee, MBJ Airports Limited, Sandals International, the St. James Municipal Corporation, and several other public and private sector organisations.
The event offered participants access to healthcare services, employment opportunities, business support, training, networking, and other resources aimed at promoting economic independence and community development.
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