SHE would wake up early in the mornings, before the rest of the house, to
ensure that breakfast is ready for the kids, and that her husband has lunch to take with him as he heads out to work.
When the morning’s rush is over, she commences her household chores; maybe makes a trip to the market, pay some bills, and generally ensure that everything is well prepared for the return of her family.

This is more or less the traditional role of women, who’re expected to ‘stay home and mind baby’.
In early western culture, women were not allowed the right to higher education; they were not allowed to earn, and her every move had to be sanctioned by her husband.
Nowadays, one dares not make the mistake of bunching all women in the same housewife category. They better not declare before the modern woman that her place is in the kitchen!

A STRONGER MARCH
Globally, women are making a stronger march towards the access of power, whether that means the enactment of women- friendly legislation, access to higher education, or entrepreneurship.
Right here in Guyana, the trends can be seen where women are outdoing men. Just last week, University of Guyana lecturer, Dr Eric Phillips described women coming out of the institution as becoming more successful and doing better than men.
He said, “They seem to be more focused, and they seem to take calculated risks and are more dedicated when involved in entrepreneurship.”

This, however, is despite the numerous challenges that women face during their journey to the top.
As recent as 2015, it was reported that generally, women are still earning 80 cents to every dollar a man makes. In the especially male-dominated industries, they are still ignored and ridiculed.
Yet these women, mothers and homemakers, bring it all together and make everything possible, proving themselves time and time again.

NO EASY TASK
“But it is not easy,” Roxanne Reece told the Guyana Chronicle. The wife, family woman, and one of the leading businesswomen in local aviation, Reece is the Managing Director of Wings Aviation, parent company of Fly Jamaica, which successfully operates scheduled international flights.

Reece is a front-runner, and has been ever since her company’s humble beginnings. She manages its day-to-day affairs, maintaining its positive image and ensuring it stays true to its promise of ‘First-class service anywhere on board’.
Reece is of the opinion that women in positions of authority are often ignored, and that their input is not taken seriously. This is never more obvious than in the field of aviation, for instance, which is a difficult field.
“It is male-dominated and white-dominated. So when you put into the equation a woman, and a black woman, it is 200 times more difficult, so you have to be 200 times better than a man,” she said.

Reece is especially proud of the fact that she was able to play an instrumental role in the growth of her family’s business. She is especially proud also of the fact that the company’s greatest achievement is being able to perform any task within the industry, namely: The service and maintenance of aircraft, piloting the machines, and training individuals in the various fields, including the training of flight attendants.

A FRESH ENERGY
In the world of fashion, Sonia Noel has taken Guyana by storm. She didn’t just bring a fresh energy to that creative aspect of Guyanese culture, but she brought hope, for especially young people who are increasingly seeking fame and fortune in the field of art.

Noel seems to have a special way with young people. Many seemingly gravitate to her as one does to a big sister or even a mother figure they can turn to for advice and inspiration.
She is a passionate, industrious and creative artist who is proud to draw on her Afro-Amerindian roots to create a brand that is uniquely Sonia Noel. She has showcased her work across the Caribbean and in international quarters such as Miami, New York, Canada and England, thereby providing avenues for young Guyanese to gain exposure.
Her Sonia Noel Foundation has partnered with many agencies to create programmes promoting women and young people. Just days ago, the Foundation hosted its annual ‘Women in Business’ activities.

Noel is also a Motivational Speaker, and believes that women should set an example for others to follow.
A case in point is the recent appointment of females to act in the country’s highest judicial offices. “I thought it was quite appropriate, being that we are in the month of March to mark this accomplishment,” Sonia said.
She feels the appointment of the women is great inspiration for young female lawyers who may not have thought of seeing women at the helm of the judicial system.

CHANGING THE GAME
There are women who are changing the norm and breaking barriers, and there are those who are still trying to make a way for their families.
Of course, not all women are lucky enough to remove themselves from certain negative situations. Women are constantly at risk of abuse from all sections of society, especially when they come from broken, poverty-stricken homes.
These women must not be forgotten, says local dancehall artiste, Shaundelle “JP” Alleyne. The 30-year-old artiste who hails from the Greater Georgetown community of Sophia understands what it means to “struggle”.

Alleyne has just one child, but is finding it very difficult being a single parent. She said she has always known her mother as a single parent and knows what must be done to care for her own child.
“I’m a single parent, and I do any job possible. I do cement work, anything it takes to take care of that one child,” “JP” said.
She’s collaborating with one of Guyana’s sauciest Soca artistes, Michelle “Big Red” King, on an inspirational Soca song dedicated to women. The song and video will be released today in commemmoration of International Women’s Day.
“This is my contribution to my womenfolk on International Women’s Day,” “Big Red” told the Guyana Chronicle.

A woman who has boldly embraced her sassy femininity on stage and off, “Big Red” declares herself an advocate of women’s rights, and feels responsible for helping create a brighter course for the advancement of women.
She said that it is regularly seen that women are abused, many of them because they cannot provide their own financial support. The new song thus highlights to women that regardless of their situation, they must always strive to make it better. “In the video,” “Big Red” said, “we have phone-card vendors, push cart and cool down vendors.

“What we’re saying is that no matter your situation, you must continue to work and put aside the ego.”
She believes that women have forgotten themselves, and have moved away from a place “where we love and respect ourselves because of the things some of us accept.” She is hoping that the song touches as many women as possible who need a happy song to motivate them in their time of need.