The Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, through the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI), yesterday launched another training programme under the theme “Building capacity for leadership enhancement and skills training for economic empowerment” at the GWLI auditorium, Cove and John, East Coast Demerara.

The programme is the brainchild of former Minister of Human Services, Indra Chandarpal, and is designed to provide women with the opportunity to acquire skills not only for their empowerment, but for economic advancement as well.

Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir, disclosed that GWLI’s 2009 budgetary allocation of $18M, with an additional $50M for single-parent training and provision of grants, is testimony to Government’s commitment to enhancing the lives of women as declared in its 2006 mandate.

Minister Nadir stated that the training will empower women to have a stronger voice in their homes, and will allow the financial independence they need to remove themselves from abusive situations.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Trevor Thomas, said that in recognising that women play an active role in the country’s development, the programme seeks to build leadership capacity among women. He urged the women to take full advantage of the opportunities provided.

Thomas also noted that the skills acquired would mean nothing if, at the end of the programme, it is not transformed into a source of economic improvement.

Some of the major programmes offered are Leadership skills, Community Development, Image Building and Etiquette, Healthy Lifestyles, Social Studies, History and Skills Training.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has been aiding Government’s vision, through various initiatives, to improve the lives of Guyanese, particularly women. Recently several pieces of legislations were passed to protect the rights of women. These are complemented by the various training programmes across the country, gearing them with skills that will make them more marketable.
In 2008, over 200 women and girls graduated from similar programmes in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten. (GINA)