Left: Hillary Nicholson (right) makes a presentation to Barbara Gloudon for her contribution to Jamaica. Right: Dawnette Hinds-Furzer (right) makes a presentation to Linnette Vassell for her outstanding contribution to Jamaica at the Tribute to Women Trailblazers and launch of Women's Media Watch's 21st anniversary celebrations at the Hilton Kingston Jamaica last Tuesday. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Women's Media Watch launched its 21st anniversary celebrations last Tuesday by honouring the centre of the organisation's existence, women!

The 14 women honoured were from varying professional backgrounds with one thing in common - they have been trailblazers in their fields.

The honorees included the first female Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewelyn; public relations practitioner Pro Comm's Jean Lowrie-Chin and actress Lana Finikin. Others came from the arts, health care, education, politics and religion.

Interactive dramatic presentation

The launch, at the Hilton Kingston Jamaica, featured an interactive dramatic presentation on sexual harassment in the workplace. Citations were then read, giving a glimpse into the women's contributions to the society. That was followed by the official unveiling of the anniversary logo.

Other honorees present were Barbara Gloudon, Syringa Marshall-Burnett, Bishop Carmen Stewart, Cynthia Wilmot and Linnette Vassell.

In her response on behalf of the honorees, Gloudon emphasised the strength and commitment of the women being honoured.

Help each other

She also emphasised that all women need to bring other women up the ladder with them.

"A nation that destroys its women is a failed state. It is going to die," noted Gloudon.

She also implored women to value themselves and not sell themselves cheaply.

"Before you go hug up mango tree, you go live, you one," she said.

Women's Media Watch's mandate is to reduce sexual violence in the media, particularly, and to promote a balanced gender approach to the analysis of the media.