SEVERAL WOMEN representing women's advocacy and youth centre groups made an urgent call yesterday for stronger political representation to deal with "rape terrorism" and the protection of women's and children's rights in Jamaica.

This was at the launching at the Hilton Hotel, New Kingston, of the Women's Manifesto for the prevention of sexual injustice.

The manifesto was ratified by several of the major women's groups and other agencies, including Women's Media Watch, Jamaicans for Justice, Families against State Terrorism, and the Coalition for Community Participation in Governance.

Among the issues raised in the manifesto was a call to immediately introduce a state-funded public education programme aimed at preventing rape and sexual crimes.

This state-funded programme was among 15 demands being made by the group on political parties and parliamentarians to commit to, and act upon, in the fastest possible time. The manifesto committee asked also for the setting up of an emergency telephone line, similar to 'Crime Stop', whereby sexual crimes could be reported. "There are many women who have to leave their homes because 'the don' had demanded their 14-year-old daughter, and they have to go into hiding for the sake of the child," said Veronica Salter of Woman Inc., in presenting the requests yesterday.

"There are many young boys who have to bring their sister to a don or to a community leader so they can be raped. So we would like to establish these phone lines so people can receive help," she added.

She said that the relevant political groups had already been issued with copies of the manifesto and they were now awaiting responses from them.

The women's gathering is asking also for a greater role in local politics. A request was made to for affirmative action to be taken to increase the level of women's participation in politics and decision-making to 40 per cent. The appointment of a Minister with the sole responsibility of Women's Affairs was requested also.