The Centre for Gender and Development Studies, Regional Coordinating Unit has completed a Research Project, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency in Jamaica, which examined gender-based violence in Jamaica with a view to determining the root causes. A number of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were used, including interviews, focus group discussions in communities and among children and young adults in schools, communities and institutions.
A meeting was then held with stakeholders, including community workers, staff of NGOs, University employees who participated in the research activities from the Health Centre, the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Women’s Political Caucus and the Centre for Gender and Development Studies.
Presentations were made on the research findings, after which the participants met for group discussion and to make suggestions for the way forward in the search for solutions. One group has asked that the dialogue within the community be continued.