Digicel honours Mansell, Jordan, Dias
In observance of International Women’s Day yesterday, Digicel Guyana honoured three women for their outstanding contributions to society.
The women, Bernice Mansell, Denise Dias and Shirley Eleanor Jordan all received tokens of appreciation from Digicel during a ceremony at Cara Lodge, at which female media operatives were also treated to lunch.
Denise Dias is the founder of “Mothers in Black” and the Alicea Foundation.
The Foundation was established following the death of her daughter, Alicea, who was struck down and killed on the East Coast Public Road by a drunk driver on August 23, 1996.
Over the years, Ms. Dias has advocated for education on road safety as well as issues as it relates to women.
She was also instrumental in forming Help and Shelter in 1994, of which she is the chairperson.
At the ceremony yesterday, Ms. Dias told the gathering that yesterday marked the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, which was initiated to encompass a broad set of activities to empower women. But she noted that women’s rights have a long way to go locally, since Guyanese women are being beaten and murdered daily.
She added that in 28 countries International Women’s Day is a national holiday.
Bernice Mansell of the Bernice Mansell Foundation, which provides education for underprivileged children and school drop-outs, was also honoured for her work to better the lives of youths in Guyana.
She was recognized for spending almost 40 years in youth education drives.
Shirley Eleanor Jordan, a science teacher, has invested 39 years of her life to teaching in Guyana.
A born-again Christian, she is also the host and producer of the television show “Look what God is Doing”.
Digicel Chief Executive Officer, Gregory Dean, in brief remarks said that the women were honoured for their efforts in giving back to society.
Each year around the world, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.
The local theme this year is ‘Equal access to education, training and science and technology; pathway to decent work for women”.