3 days Ago
JAMAICAN women have long carried the weight of ‘resilience’, but what if resilience, as we understand it, is not true resilience at all? At last month’s Scotiabank Women Initiative anniversary event and forum, Djavila Ho, president of Jamaican Psychological Society (JAMPSYCH), delivered a stirring and thought-provoking speech challenging this narrative. With a focus on the theme ‘Her Wellness: The Jamaican Woman — Resilient and Thriving?’, Ho provided a reflection on the progress Jamaican women have made, the challenges they continue to face, and the steps necessary to transition from survival to thriving. “Resilience is often celebrated as a powerful trait in women, especially Jamaican women, who are known for their strength, perseverance, and ability to make something out of nothing.
However, this ‘strong woman’ stereotype often comes at a cost. It tends to mean that we are expected to ‘push through’ without vulnerability,” Ho stated. She urged women to stop equating resilience with merely pushing through hardships and instead redefine it as true recovery, healing, and growth.
She cautioned against viewing the proportion of female managers as a sign that gender disparities have been fully overcome. “While the number of women in management positions has increased over the past two decades, the nuances of what that looks like show there is still much room for work to be done,” she emphasised, concretising the importance of continued advocacy and support systems for women in leadership roles. Ho went on to delve into the issue of psychological and emotional abuse, noting that intimate partner violence in Jamaica is often understood in physical terms, even though emotional abuse is the most common form.
Nearly 29 per cent of Jamaican women experience emotional abuse, and its effects can be devastating. “We need to recognise that the effects of emotional abuse are far-reaching. Emotional abuse can negatively impact a woman’s self-perception, emotional health, and interpersonal dynamics,” the JAMPSYCH president told the audience.
Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier, particularly in the workplace, where struggles with issues like maternal mental health, menopause, and ageing are often dismissed. Ho emphasised the need for greater education and comprehensive policy reforms to ensure women receive the support they need through these often overlooked challenges, enabling them not just to navigate these challenges but to truly thrive. “We need to have more practices and policies that address the unique mental health needs of Jamaican women — systems and services that integrate psychosocial support rather than having it as an ‘add-on’ feature.
Men benefit from this too, and when we all get support, we work better together and contribute to a better society. This is why at JAMPSYCH, we have started a policy committee to ensure that we [women] have a seat at the table when policies or bills are being amended or proposed, we want to ensure that a psychosocial framework is integrated to support women better, regardless of the industry,” Ho shared. A central theme of Ho’s speech was the significance of social support and empowerment initiatives such as the women’s initiative.
She highlighted that safe spaces — whether formal programmes or grassroots efforts — are essential for fostering healing, growth, and unity among women. She linked this sense of belonging to the rise of social media as a platform where women connect over shared experiences, reinforcing a collective identity and strength. Highlighting the growing prioritisation of women’s health, Ho applauded the rise of female-led fitness and nutrition businesses that promote healthier lifestyles.
She also noted the increasing integration of mental wellness into various aspects of life, whether explicitly recognised or not. Building on her call for women to move beyond survival, Ho introduced the psychological concept of post-traumatic growth (PTG). Unlike resilience, which is about returning to a prior state of functioning, PTG focuses on flourishing after adversity — achieving a higher level of growth and well-being.
She challenged women to overcome self-limiting beliefs and foster confidence, urging leaders to create environments that uplift rather than tear down. “We must take stock of how we think about ourselves — start by assessing how you speak to yourself. What are the things you tell yourself about yourself? Identify limiting beliefs and begin to challenge them,” she advised.
Recognising that strength is passed down through generations, Ho encouraged women to actively share their stories. Just as Jamaican history has been shaped by narratives of resistance and survival, today’s women must continue the tradition by mentoring and uplifting younger generations. Ho closed her speech with a compelling challenge: to take these lessons beyond the forum and into daily life.
“As a psychologist, I know without a doubt that humans have the power to grow, heal, and thrive against some of the most unimaginable odds. So, I challenge you—not just to believe in that power but to embody it.”.
