Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 07, 2016 APNU Column, Features / Columnists
The APNU+AFC coalition is of the view that gender equality is an intrinsic human right; women should and must have opportunities for personal development, equal to those of their male counterparts. The administration firmly believes that gender equality is essential for national development, reduction of poverty, improvement of physical and mental health, and enhancing living standards.
Women and men must benefit equally from the country’s resources. Women must be treated with respect and accepted as equal partners in decision-making processes. The coalition recognizes, though, that women in Guyana continue to face challenges which are unique to their gender, and solutions to the problems must be planned and implemented with this knowledge in mind.
In the past century, great strides have been made in raising the social and economic status of women. Where there was once open discrimination, denial of the right to vote, in the colonial era, for example, the situation has improved to one of the passage of legislation to protect women’s rights.
While those changes are positive, they are inadequate, since enforcement and compliance with legislation is key. This administration is committed to the full realization of gender equality. With this in mind, we intend to implement initiatives within a comprehensive framework of female empowerment to raise the standard of living of all women in Guyana.
The economic, social, educational and political gaps between men and women remain wide, proving that the passage of legislation alone is insufficient to effect real change. Cultural factors also contribute to the problem as many persons believe – for various reasons – that women should be subservient to men.
This government is of the view that women are the custodians of the fundamental values that sustain families and communities, and build nations. Women, therefore, are critical for success in generating social and economic wealth, and creating an environment of peace, justice, security and stability. The APNU+AFC coalition recognizes the right of women to participate fully in decision-making processes, and promotes greater participation by women in politics and other areas traditionally dominated by men.
This administration is committed to economic parity; women must be given equal pay for equal work. The government will implement measures that ensure that this becomes a reality. The coalition is also determined to ensure that women have educational opportunities equal to those of their male counterparts. We support the idea that women can and should become more involved in areas of employment currently dominated by men.
Why should there not be a greater number of female mechanics, electrical technicians, plumbers, statisticians, engineers, economists and entrepreneurs? Your government is already in the process of implementing policies to achieve those goals.
The administration believes that economic empowerment and financial independence are central to a happy life. Entrepreneurship is one means to achieve such independence. With this in mind, this government is committed to working with local, national and international bodies to promote women’s entrepreneurial activities. Access to credit will be increased. Job centres will be established countrywide, and a Child Tax Credit programme for employers will soon be implemented.
Economic success is also a function of education. Programmes aimed at remedial literacy and numeracy, and information and communication technology – targeting women—will be implemented. Women will be given incentives to enter technical fields. Scholarships will be made available to women who wish to pursue technical, vocational and tertiary education.
We are well aware of the unique challenges faced mainly by women, not the least among which is the scourge of domestic violence. This administration is currently in the process of operationalizing a Domestic and Sexual Victims Hotline. This 24-hour service facility will be staffed by highly trained personnel who will be equipped to respond to such emergencies. Police stations will be equipped with Special Victims Units, staffed by qualified social workers to address crimes against women and children. Where there is evidence, criminal proceedings will proceed, whether or not the victim gives consent. A Family Court will be made operational to address the specific needs of our women and children.
Finally, and perhaps, most importantly, the administration is currently formulating a National Gender Policy which will be unveiled before the end of 2016. This policy will be the product of an ongoing consultative process between the public sector and various civil society bodies including trade unions, the private sector, faith-based organisations, women’s groups, non-governmental organisations and the disciplined services.
This gender policy will clearly set out your Government’s position on the necessity for gender equality in all aspects of life. It will ensure that practices in all spheres of society are consistent with the Constitution and other legislation, and will identify any shortcomings — legislative or otherwise – which must be corrected.
Your government is committed to a better life for all, and will spare no effort to ensure that the vulnerable sectors of our society, and in this instance our women are treated fairly and justly.
JAGDEO ADDING MORE DANGER TO GUYANA AND THE REGION
Apr 18, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has been named Wisden’s leading Twenty20 Cricketer for 2023, as she topped all and sundry, including her male counterparts. Alan Gardner looks...Kaieteur News – Compliments of the Ministry of Education, our secondary school children are being treated to a stage... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]