Usain Bolt and Respect Jamaica’s Kemesha Kelly (Left -Programme Manager) and Jordanne Edwards – Youth Engagement Officer. Photo: Paul Mullings

The track icon, who has established himself as the greatest sprinter of all-time, has joined the HeForShe campaign – a solidarity movement for gender equality developed by UN Women.

HeForShe calls on men and boys to work together with women and girls to end gender based discrimination and violence. Through aligning with the HeForShe campaign, men and boys will signal their commitment to working to realize gender equality in their homes, schools, workplace, communities, places of worship and fields of play, ultimately in all of their social spaces.

Bolt’s commitment and the leading HeForShe ambassadors’ participation is a lead up to the official launch of the campaign at month end.

The Jamaica launch of the HeForShe Campaign is marked by high level public commitments – Minister of Gender Affairs, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaican and international recording artistes – Beenie Man, and Omi and Jamaican activists Michael Abrahams & Owen “Blakka” Ellis and Mutabaruka.

Representative for the UN Women Multi-Country Office in the Caribbean, Christine Arab said the active participation of strong partners is central to the success of the campaign.

“Given the crucial role of men and boys as advocates and agents of change, HeForShe provides a platform for men to self-identify with issues of gender equality and its benefits, which liberate not only women, but also men, from prescribed social roles and gender stereotypes. We congratulate Jamaica on an impressive list of HeForShe Champions representing the voices of the nation and with the ability to reach to all corners of the island,” she said.