CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
– An Appreciation
WOMEN have always played important roles on planet earth since the beginning of time.

They have stood behind men giving that necessary push to ensure men’s success. I have seen it written somewhere that: “Behind every successful man there is a woman telling him that he is wrong.”

The intent here was not to deride men but to encourage them to do better. In fact, if one was to look back in history in the labour movement, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow’s success in the trade union circle had a lot to do with the backing and support he got from women.  Critchlow’s mother was first and foremost his guiding light at age 14 when his father died.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, March 8, this column is intended to pay tribute to the women of Guyana for their courage and example of keeping the lamp burning in all spheres of society.

Guyana’s development over the years is due in no small measure to the sacrifices made by women as they stood behind and beside the men.  Mary Anne Radmacher in her book titled ‘Courage Doesn’t Always Roar’ puts it this way about women: “Sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow’.”

How many times have we not seen the courage of women when our backs were against the wall, struggling to improve our earnings and better our conditions of work.

There they were, from time to time, encouraging us to face the problems of life manfully. The support that women gave suggested that they were prepared to share the burden.

Men would readily admit that there were times when they felt that they were running out of strength and wanting to give up, they found inspiration in women who stood by their side encouraging them to go on and being prepared to share whatever burden there was.

Mr. Ashton Chase, O.E., in his book: “A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana 1900 to 1961” recorded the following about the then women stalwarts in the Guyana (British Guiana) Labour Union:

“The main backbone of the Labour Union, however, in these depressing days was the women. Indeed for several years the Union’s membership roll showed more women than men. Listed among the 1928 executive members were: Mrs. Adriana King, the grandmother of the writer, and her daughter then Miss B. King as Assistant Secretary. Other stalwarts among the women folk were Miss Charlotte Green, Mrs. Wildes, Miss Esther Bruce-a sweet vendor of huge proportions, Mrs. Johanna Harris who became the first woman President of the Labour Union in 1935, and who took part in many important deputations. The women like the men had a distinctive uniform of red and white which they wore on important occasions.”

So, as far as the trade union movement is concerned, its women always displayed extraordinary courage, a courage that may not roar.  When the chips are down, they don’t cower and hide.  Perhaps there is always a quiet voice inside saying ‘tomorrow I’ll try again’.  It is the courage to see things through to the end.

The ‘Simple Truths Newsletter’, out of the USA, in celebration of women this year had this to say about the courage of women:

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but a powerful choice we make. It is the choice to move forward with PURPOSE and joy, regardless of what it takes.

“It’s the courage that is found in ordinary women who are HEROES in their own way…exhibiting faith and strength in life’s challenges every day…

“Valiant women of exceptional courage with enduring power to cope…taking each problem one day at a time and never giving up HOPE.

“They give themselves the permission they need to feel disappointed or sad, but then empower themselves with FAITH…to focus on good things…not bad.

“Their story is one of gentle strength reminding us all once more…

“Steel is sometimes covered in velvet, and courage doesn’t always roar!”

Our women exemplify such traits and have done us proud in the labour movement and beyond.

To single out some of them, these names readily come to mind: Mrs. Janet Jagan (outstanding trade unionist/politician who rose to the highest office of the land – the Presidency), Mrs. Jane Phillips-Gay (outstanding trade unionist/politician), Mrs. Viola Burnham (teacher/outstanding politician and women’s activist who also held high office), Ms. Jean Persico (teacher/trade unionist/politician who also held a junior ministerial portfolio), Ms. Eileen Cox (outstanding trade unionist/consumer affairs advocate).

Of recent vintage, there are Gillian Burton (so far the only woman president of the Guyana Trades Union Congress), Ann Anderson (so far the only woman general secretary of the Clerical & Commercial Workers’ Union) and Coretta McDonald (another in a line of women general secretaries of the Guyana Teachers’ Union). Currently, there are a number of women parliamentarians from various political parties, and one of them, Ms. Gail Teixeira, is an advisor to President Jagdeo.

The laudable work done by all these women is very much appreciated. And to those who would continue to contribute to nation building in their sphere of operation, may God continue to shower his richest blessings on you and guide you as you do what you have to do.