‘Men, we must do better!’

Of the 774 individuals who graduated from the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) yesterday, 80 per cent were women, highlighting the continuing failure of male students to catch up in numbers to their female counterparts in tertiary institutions.

In 2020, 22 per cent of the graduates from the UCC were men [there were 88 males and 308 females], while, in 2021, 20 per cent were men [there were 117 males and 470 females].

Professor Haldane Davies, president of the UCC, highlighted his concerns around the disproportionate number of males to females as he made his first commencement ceremony address since assuming the presidency last September.

“And again, men, the women have outnumbered us by 624 to 150!” Davies shouted, after which the women in attendance cheered inside the National Arena in St Andrew.

“Men, we must do better!” he said.

For decades, the government, educators and administrators alike have struggled with creating a balance in the number of males and females graduating from colleges and universities each year. And local anthropologists, such as Dr Herbert Gayle, around a decade ago, completed research which highlighted that females outnumber males at the secondary level, a trend which is further reflected in the male-to-female ratio at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.

Women in Jamaica first outnumbered men as university graduates in 1983 at the UWI, Mona, when they broke the glass ceiling and outnumbered male graduands in that university’s 1982-83 graduating class.

Over the years, and before the women’s movement started in decades gone by, men – regarded then as the heads of households – outnumbered women in various fields and leadership positions, and controlled programmes in which women were not given the chance to pursue studies.

In the 19th Century, women started to change male dominance in some fields, with, for example, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, who organised the first convention for women’s rights in the United States in 1848. In 1966, the National Organization for Women was formed and girls and women have since been globally inspired to pursue excellence in male-dominated areas and education.

In addition to raising his concern, Davies applauded the 774 graduates “from all walks of life who made the conscious decision to pursue the path of progress”, and conferred two honorary doctorate degrees on Wes Moore, governor of Maryland; and Trisha Bailey, entrepreneur, philanthropist and real estate mogul.

“Students, many who worked four times while pursuing studies part-time and in various modalities of learning; students who transitioned from secondary schools and made a concerted effort to stay the course to victory; students who laboured hard and pressed on despite financial challenges and moments of despair emanating from mental challenges and mental health issues, domestic violence and challenges, other family issues and other forms of otherwise well-guided relationships. However, you are all here today, rejoicing in your victory and celebrating with each other,” Davies said.

“I urge you to hold high the banner of the theme of this year’s commencement, of Igniting, Discovering, Impacting our World for the Future is indeed now. You have worked hard and invested of your time and resources to advance your knowledge and expand your understanding. You have sacrificed long days and nights, sweat and tears, family time, holidays, weekends and even vacation time to reach your goal that is being celebrated here today,” he said.

For her part, Marsha Smith, state minister in the Ministry of Education and Youth, also offered words of encouragement to the graduands who will either add to Jamaica’s workforce or contribute to the country’s future brain-drain.

“Today marks the end of one chapter in your life’s story and the beginning of another, and you will have yet many more chapters to complete. In this global environment of multiple opportunities, stake your claim and continue to perform with excellence ... . To our graduands, you have shown determination and fortitude in the completion of your studies. Congratulations on reaching this far. Today marks the end of one chapter in your life’s story and the beginning of another, and you will yet have many more chapters to complete,” Smith said.

“It is my sincerest privilege to be present here today to share in this year’s commencement ceremony of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean and to extend congratulations to the board of directors, management team, staff and students of the UCC, and especially today’s graduands, being honoured for your hard work and successful completion of your course of study,” she said.

She commended the UCC for continuing to be among Jamaica’s premier higher educational institutions, providing diverse programmes of the highest standards and therefore making a significant contribution to the development of human capital in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. She also extended a special commendation to Moore, who was also the keynote speaker for the commencement ceremony.

The UCC is the largest private non-affiliated higher educational institution in Jamaica, with more than 7,000 students locally.

Also present at the graduation ceremony were: Steadman Fuller, custos of Kingston, representing Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen; and Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with oversight for skills and digital transformation.

ainsworth.morris@gleanerjm.com