The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, in its continuing efforts to maintain and provide a safe social environment, has been employing resources to empower Guyanese especially women.

Hymawattie Lagan, Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau addressing the gathering at the movie night at Hotel Tower.

The current Administration has powered the amendment of the constitution to ensure women attain equal rights and implemented policies for the protection of women against violence. Also Guyana has signed on to a number of treaties including the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women so that women in Guyana will be treated with dignity.

As part of Government’s commitment to stop violence and enhance the lives of women, the Ministry has embarked on a 16-day activism campaign under the United Nations theme for the elimination of violence against women: “Commit- Act- Demand: We Can End Violence against Women!”.

Monday evening, the Ministry hosted a Movie Night followed by discussions as part of the campaign’s activities. The film shown was “Sleeping With The Enemy” which demonstrated a woman being physically and emotionally abused by her husband and the ways in which she overcame her adversity.

The audience at the movie night at Hotel Tower.

Hymawattie Lagan, Administrator of the Women Affairs Bureau, stated that violence is present in society and as such it is the responsibility of the people to stop it. She added for too long situations of this nature have been swept under the carpet.

She said that the film was relevant for it demonstrated how some men take advantage of women’s vulnerability; but it is necessary for women to have a plan and escape from maltreatment like the female character in the film played by Julia Roberts.

The gathering included Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand, along with Ministry staff and representatives of NGOs.

Different views were expressed during the discussions but all had one common idea, and that was that violence against women must cease. Speakers agreed that women need to stop living in denial and act from the first signs of violence. They need to be independent and stop looking for financial and emotional support from men.

Another key point which was raised during the discussions was motherhood. Women were advised to partake in family planning and that procreation should be considered based on financial resources available to them, with or without the support of a male.

Even though violence against women is present, Guyana has made considerable strides over the years to bridge the gap between men and women. Evidence of this has been underscored in a 2009 gender equality report from the World Economic Forum, an independent international organisation that has ranked Guyana 35 out of 134 countries for gender equality. (GINA)