Faith Harding is 2015 Guyanese International Woman of Courage

– awarded posthumously at US Embassy reception

The late Guyanese politician and psychologist, Dr Faith Harding has been named the 2015 International Woman of Courage by the United States Embassy in Guyana after having been recognised for her exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights and social progress. The posthumous award was received by her husband, Patrick Harding, at a ceremony held at the residence of the US Ambassador in Guyana on Wednesday evening.

Recipients of this award, according to Chargé d’Affaires for the Georgetown embassy, Bryan Hunt, have been leaders for change, pushing established boundaries and demanding equality for marginalised communities. And for the leadership committee, Dr Harding fits the bill perfectly.

“There is no question for those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Faith, that she dedicated her life to the service of the human family,” related Hunt, who added “whether she was championing the cause of gender equality in front of an audience of thousands or simply extending a helping hand and sympathetic ear to a troubled teenager with thoughts of suicide, Faith was equally determined to ensure that justice was done and that all were given an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Hunt remembered Dr Harding as one who insisted on action even while reflecting on the ills facing the Guyanese society— a quality he admired. “No problem was too big for her. No issue was too complex. In her mind, no obstacle was fundamentally insurmountable. She truly embodied the old Chinese proverb “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Indeed, she was constantly pushing all of us to take that single step,” he added. Despite leaving active politics, Dr Harding never lost her passion for Guyana and envisioned a new form of Guyanese politics that engendered inclusive development, Hunt recalled.

Mr Harding extended gratitude on behalf of himself and family, while reminiscing on the many instances of her service to Guyana. He called seeing hours of calls late at nights and early in the morning to one particular number and upon enquiry learnt that it was that of a young woman contemplating suicide. Many times, Mr Harding said, he questioned his wife why she alone was taking on these issues when the state systems were in place to tackle these. “She never stopped,” he related, recognising that in the absence of proper functioning institutions, Dr Harding’s contribution was invaluable.

The event was organised in celebration of International Women’s Day, which was observed on March 8. On this occasion, the US Embassy in Guyana said it recognised and celebrated the contributions and accomplishments of American and Guyanese women. According to Chargé d’Affaires Hunt, the US Government has recognised that the path to achieving gender equality must involve the eradication of gender-based violence as well as ensuring girls and women are educated and empowered.