Opposition calls for urgent action to protect women and girls

 

Opposition spokesperson on Gender Affairs Denise Daley is renewing her call for urgent action to protect Jamaica's women and girls as the police probe the disappearance of University of Technology (UTech) student Anisa Dilworth. 

 

She says the nation cannot become numb to the continued reports of women and girls going missing. 

 

Ms. Daley believes the student's disappearance is another painful reminder that the society still fails to provide the safety and protection women deserve.

 

"We must be more vigilant as we have realised now that it has become the norm for women and young children to be abused. The safety of our women is not optional. It is fundamental. The People's National Party will have to step up the pace to advocate for stronger protection, accountability and the resources needed to keep our women and girls safe. We have to modernise our transportation system especially the private operated ones," she urged. 

 

Investigators continue to search for the 20-year-old UTech student, who has been missing since last week Tuesday.

 

Ms. Daley commended the police for their swift response in the matter and encouraged them to continue working with urgency and transparency. 

 

She also condemned the attack on a female inDrive driver who was hospitalised in serious condition after being shot execution-style by gunmen off Molynes Road in St. Andrew on Monday.