‘Phenomenal Woman’
–   hosted by Minister Manickchand at Theatre Guild last evening
THE Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, in collaboration with the United Nations in Guyana and the Theatre Guild, last evening gave Guyanese a rare and profoundly appreciated treat in celebration of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day (1911-2011).
The occasion was the hosting of  ‘Phenomenal Woman’ –  a brilliant and  artistic performance directed by Dr. Paloma Mohamed and dramatized by a talented and energetic cast, who had the audience roaring and literally on the edge of their seats as they dramatized – in songs and dances, the story of life endured by women through the years, as they struggled along the paths toward self-realization and ultimately securing economic, political and social achievements.
The common thread running through the various pieces dramatized was the sense of purpose inherent within each of the women, the conviction that they were beautiful and worthy, and the desire and determination to rise above their circumstances, and feeling good about themselves.
The artistic performance was energetic and had its audience leaving feeling “beautiful and worthy.”
It included poems such as ‘Phenomenal Woman’ from Maya Angelou and songs such as John Lennon’s  ‘Woman’, Allison Hinds’ ‘Roll It’ and Helen Reddy’s ‘I Am Woman’, and the Trinidadian calypso ‘Die with my Dignity’ sung by one ‘Calypso Rose’.
All the artistes were local and seemed to completely enjoy doing their performances.
Following the artistic performance there was an inter-generational conversation during which two young women, Attorneys- at-law Prithima Kissoon and Ayanna Mc Almon, discussed a number of topical issues with Gail Teixeira, adviser to President Jagdeo on Governance; Patrice la Fleur, assistant representative of the United Nations Population Fund and Aleema Naseer, Chairperson of the Rights of the Child Commission.
The matters discussed were wide ranging, but had to do with women’s issues – from dating to marriage; domestic violence, codes of conduct for male/female relationships, religious and social taboos among others.
The ‘inter-generational conversation’ brought out the progress made by women over the years as well as the sloth of development in some areas.
The conversation concluded that much progress had been made in striving for gender equality even while acknowledging that there is still work to be done.
The conversation served to make a strong point to young women today to “get involved” in finishing off the work started.
Cocktails followed the performances.
Earlier in the programme, the host – Minister of Human Services and Social Security Ms. Priya Manickchand –  expressed gratitude to the women who blazed the trail before her and stressed that, had women one century ago not done the work they had done, the women of today would have had little to celebrate.
She challenged the women present to work in their own spheres today “so our sons and daughters will have much more to celebrate in the next 20 or 50 years as gains in gender equality benefit all”.
Said the minister, “On  my own behalf and on behalf of the Government of Guyana, I wish you all a Happy International Women’s Day.”
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8. Guyana has, for many years, celebrated this day with various types of activities.
In addition to ‘Phenomenal Woman’, this year the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will publish a week-long panel discussion on various issues to be aired on NCN television every night at 18:30 hrs (6:30 pm) and in celebration of the accomplishments of Guyanese women, shall be mounting Billboards with the portraits and brief inscriptions of three outstanding Guyanese women at various locations in the country.
Today, the first such billboard shall be mounted at the UG/CPCE junction and shall depict the contributions made by the late cabinet minister Dr. Desrey Fox.
Later in the week, the contributions of Kowsilla of Anna Catherina (who was martyred when she was run over by a tractor at Leonora)  and Winifred Gaskin – a Buxtonian scholar and pioneer of women’s issues –  shall be erected in those two communities.
The ministry envisions that this will be an ongoing project whereby contributions from Guyanese women can be noted and celebrated in communities across Guyana.