The empowerment of women as well as all individuals has been a priority of Government, reflected through the activities of all of its arms. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will join the world in celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 under the United Nations’ theme “2010 Equal rights, equal opportunity: Progress for all”.
Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau, Hymawattie Lagan, noted that this theme is appropriate and opportune for it reflects the works of the Ministry and Government as a whole in developing the lives of women.
She noted that women have equal rights like men in Guyana, and these rights allow them similar opportunities. Lagan emphasised that women have the right to acquire an education so that they can develop and sustain themselves, adding to the progress of all in society.
Guyana has been working towards an environment which allows the co-existence of men and women in the working environment and has made significant strides in this regard. She noted that women hold important offices such as Permanent Secretaries, Ministers of Government and Parliamentarians, and they work along with men in developing policies for the further development of Guyana.
In addition, women have been moving towards careers that were once the reserve of males only and this process has seen the assistance of Government through the provision of financial and technical help. Lagan noted that the Single Parent Programme conducted by the Ministry offers certain skills which include barbering, electrical courses and plumbing.
She further noted that the Ministry conducted a pilot project focusing on technical skills with approximately 15 young women, and they are now working alongside their male counterparts.
For the occasion, the Ministry will be collaborating with NGOs and other entities and will also host a reception on the day.
Lagan noted that the Regional Women’s Affairs Committee, which is represented in all the regions and are satellite bodies to the Bureau, will be hosting individual activities which include prayer services, and workshops on sensitisation to violence and wardrobe appropriateness.