Guyana making strides in gender equality – Webster

Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster said that part of the consolidated efforts in addressing gender equality involves men embracing women empowerment and viewing it as an opportunity instead of a threat.
Minister Webster was addressing a symposium of women at the International Conference Centre at Liliendaal in observance of International Women’s Day.

She stated that International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the social, political and economic achievements of women who have fought against slavery, indentureship and discrimination regardless of race, religion or geography.
Significant contribution
Webster applauded the significant contribution of women to the development of Guyana, taking time out to name several including Winifred Gaskin, Dr Desiree Fox, Magda Pollard and Sheila Holder. She noted that women are better represented in the highest decision-making forum, resulting in Guyana ranking 29th in the world out of 143 countries by the Inter- Parliamentary Union in 2013 and 42nd of 200 countries, in terms of political and educational empowerment by the Global Gender Gap Index.
The human services minister said women are well represented in public life generally, despite a greater need for representation in public service movement and at the managerial board levels. Webster bragged that one-third of positions in Cabinet are occupied by women, a status she considered progressive in achieving the millennium development goal of promoting gender equality.
“Still we continue to strive towards parity and equality. There is now a strong, robust legislative framework to protect women.”
Life expectancy
The minister listed improvements in maternal health, life expectancy and access to quality healthcare as gender specific services available to women. She pointed out that the historical, socio-economic disparity between men and women, which is necessary for the advancement of equality, has evolved. Webster mentioned that the views which arise out of the symposium will serve to inform strategy in gaining momentum in women’s economic, political and social life.
Among the issues to be discussed are job: creation, equal pay for equal work, poverty, women’s rights and entrepreneurship empowerment.
Delivering the feature address, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said Guyana has produced many outstanding women, coming from humble beginnings to make their mark in the world. He saluted all the women pioneers who struggled relentlessly to ensure their descendants inherited a world of greater equality.
The prime minister stated that there is increased recognition of women, noting that more women are taking leadership roles at every level of society.
“Our men folk can no longer demand of women to keep the family together, but must step forward and make an equal sacrifice.”
The prime minister stressed government’s unwavering commitment to gender equality, which he described as high on the country’s agenda.
He listed several advances in the areas of women’s rights and said there has been steady and noteworthy progress under the millennium development goals (MDG) of promoting gender equality. Hinds pointed to the gender disparity in educational pursuits, emphasising that the ratio of qualified men to women remains a matter of concern.
“Men who feel inferior to women will seek other methods to regain a sense of control and manhood.” Hinds pointed out that the number of women in agriculture, industry and the service sectors has increased over the years, and women today are in a better position to secure economic independence.
Guyana amended its Constitution in 2001 to ensure women have equal access like men on the Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which paved the way for the establishment of the Women and Gender Equality Commission.
The prime minister acknowledged that women still face significant challenges relating to maternal health, motherhood, and care for dependent relatives, which hinder their participation in the workforce. This, he said has propelled the administration into promoting government-supported, self-employment programmes, such as the Women of Worth (WOW) loan scheme.