Ramotar salutes WPO’s fight for women’s liberation

The Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) was last Saturday saluted by President Donald Ramotar during a cultural ceremony to mark its 60th anniversary. In the presence of a packed audience at the Natural Cultural Centre, President Ramotar hailed the WPO for its outstanding contributions to the lives of Guyanese women and the integral role it played in the economic, political, social and educational development of the country.

“They were a part of the struggle for independence, the women’s movement for independence and they were a part of the fight not only for independence, but even in the conditions of colonialism, led the fight for social improvement and economic gains.”

He said the WPO fought vigorously against prejudice and inequality, not only for its members, but women across the country. He singled out former President Janet Jagan for her sterling contributions in the fight for democracy and equality.

Reflecting on the past, President Ramotar said Jagan faced many challenges and attacks, first from the colonial powers at the time. “Unfortunately, she was demonised by the same people she fought for, but indeed, she was a force for the PPP.”

The hardship endured by the WPO’s founders and members during the mid-50s did not go in vain as today, 60 years after, women have progressed in all aspects of society. He said the conditions for the advancement of women are far more favourable with all being granted the opportunity to be educated, noting that more women are graduating from the University of Guyana than men.

It was also pointed out that in an effort to empower women in Guyana, the Housing and Water Ministry has allocated 15 per cent of the houselots distributed over the past five years to single mothers.

WPO President Indra Chandarpal in her lengthy presentation reflected on the history of the organisation, and emphasised its achievements.
Positive change

She said prior to the formation of the WPO, its forerunner, the Women Political and Economic Organisation (WPEO) was formed in 1946 before the advent of the first political party; the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

“Even though it lasted two years, it had already provided a catalyst for women, especially for those who were living in the city in abject poverty.” Following the staging of the first elections held under adult suffrage in April 1953, the WPO was formed 26 days after, notably by the first three women parliamentarians, Janet Jagan, Jane Phillips-Gay and Jessie Burnham.

At the time of the formation, many women were uneducated because many of them had dropped out of school at an early age to care for their families. However, realising the importance of education in development, the organisation initially lobbied for all girls to complete school. “This was done through the medium of newspaper articles and various types of meeting.”

The ceremony at the National Cultural Centre marked the beginning of one year of activities to celebrate the WPO’s jubilee anniversary. The organisation currently boasts a membership of approximately 5000 persons.