The People’s National Party Women’s Movement says it strongly condemns the unacceptable public remarks made about a female leader, even as it acknowledges the resignation of Isat Buchanan as the party’s human rights chair.

The movement says such behaviour goes against the principles and values of the party.

Mr. Buchanan has come under pressure for comments he made on a YouTube programme in reference to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

There was a call for him to be fired and the PNP released a statement today, noting that Mr. Buchanan had indicated his intention to resign from the Human Rights Commission.

The Women’s Movement in a statement says it’s fully aware of the pressing gender inequality issue and normalized violence against women in the country.

The group says its swift acceptance of Mr. Buchanan’s resignation upon learning of the unfortunate incident, demonstrates the consistent stance against all forms of abuse or violence against women.

President Patricia Duncan Sutherland emphasizes the need for extensive efforts to reshape the Jamaican mindset regarding the treatment and portrayal of women.

Mrs Duncan Sutherland says she appreciates the swift action taken by the leaders of the People’s National Party, distancing themselves from the offensive comments, as it sends a clear message that such inappropriate utterances will not be tolerated within the PNP.

The PNP Women’s Movement says its calling on the women leaders of the JLP to join them in denouncing acts of violence against women, regardless of the political affiliation of the abusers.

Meantime, the People’s National Party says it has accepted the resignation of Chairman of its Human Rights Commission Isat Buchanan.

In a statement the PNP says Mr. Buchanan indicated to party leader Mark Golding last night, his intention to step down, following remarks made on a YouTube programme.

The party says he believes that resigning is in the party’s best interests, as the remarks in question do not reflect the PNP’s values.

Earlier, Chair of the Jamaica Labour Party Women’s Caucus and Gender Affairs Minister, Olivia Grange, called on PNP President Mark Golding to fire Mr. Buchanan immediately.

Ms. Grange made the call noting that under the guise of quoting his client who is incarcerated for murder, Mr. Buchanan used words she described as “misogynistic, crude, nasty, sexist, low and disgraceful language in reference to the Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn.

Ms. Grange called on Mr. Golding to condemn Mr. Buchanan’s posture.

She also invited the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council to immediately probe Mr. Buchanan for breach of the canons of the profession.

Ms. Grange invited all women in leadership, to join her in condemning what she describes as Mr. Buchanan’s vile and inappropriate rhetoric against another woman in leadership.