KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) Women’s Movement is celebrating 50 years since women entered active military service in the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), highlighting their contribution to nation building and the strides made towards gender parity.

August marks the 50th anniversary of the historic entry of women into active military service, with the first four women enlisted on August 11, 1976, the PNP Women’s Movement said in a press release.

The release noted that the pioneering women went on to pave the way for hundreds of others to serve in various units across the JDF in operational, technical and administrative roles.