By Gerald V. Paul

It was a time of recognizing, celebrating and saluting women in their successful individual and collective journeys, including mothers working two jobs and those who could not afford to attend the International Women’s Day event on Sunday at the Jamaican Canadian Centre (JCA).

Under the UN theme Make it Happen, the gathering encouraged effective action for advancing and recognizing women. The theme was especially right for the JCA as they begin their quest for renewal and empowering young people.

“We can make it happen!” Jamaican-born Ontario Associate Minister of Finance (Pension Plan) Mitzie Hunter told the Women Recognizing Women event hosted by the JCA Women’s Committee, a respected advocate for women’s social progress and equality.

“Our mission is to strengthen the social and economic well-being of all women and their families,” committee chair Joycelyn De Souza explained.

Hunter, Liberal MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood and responsible as associate minister for creation of a made-in-Ontario pension plan, said now is the time “in light of decades past to be equal, to own land, to vote, to be recognized as persons under the law.

“We owe it to them and to future generations to continue making the strides that enhance us all.”

Hunter praised Premier Kathleen Wynne’s plan to combat sexual violence and harassment, rape culture and gender inequality. One in three women in Canada is sexually assaulted over her lifetime.

Wynne unveiled a 35- page plan last Friday titled It’s Never Okay which includes more money for educational initiatives at universities and colleges, specialized training for school staff, funding and support for sexual assault centres and updates to the province’s new sexual education curriculum to ensure students learn about consent, respectful relationships and gender inequality through Grades 1 to 12.

De Souza said Hunter’s message is in keeping with the Women’s Committee goal of mentoring, empowering and educating people on the evolving role of women in society.

Barry Coke, JCA president, told the gathering “the JCA is in its 53^rd year of existence with a renewed emphasis on sustainability and growth. This involves passing the baton to the younger generation.”

He praised the organization’s pioneers, saying “the JCA has grown on the backs of these stalwarts, most of them being women, and our continued existence is still dependent on the efforts of current and future JCA women.

“This is why this year’s theme is so relevant to the JCA. It shows the interconnection between the success of women and the betterment of our community and the world around us.”

De Souza congratulated the JCA 2015 award recipients, saying, “Your continued contribution to the Jamaican Canadian community and Canadian society as a whole is an inspiration to all”.

Marva Wisdom received the Community Award. Women Who Are Making It Happen are Insp. Ingrid Berkeley- Brown, Karen Redwood and Angela Swain-Thorpe.

Women Recognizing Women recipients are Haslene Davis, Sylvia Edwards, Vilma Garnett, Ionie Grizzle, Rosa Lynn and Penny Williams. Special Committee Recognition was awarded to Bruce McDonald and Leon Sutherland.