I am appalled by the views, seeming assertions, subtle and overt hints (against the PPP/C), made by Stella Ramsaroop and Sukree Budhram in “Plain Talk.” Stella Ramsaroop and Sukree Budhram are agitating for a much needed cause. Yes,the abuse of women must not be tolerated. However, one must be very cognisant of the fact that Guyana has never had a ‘movement’ in this area. There was no legacy for women’s issues prior to 1992. So to ‘fly overnight’ and have everything in place, to tackle this social ill is almost impossible.

Now I am compelled to ask both ladies (Stella and Sukhree) to provide corroborative evidence to show that Guyana is worse off (statistically at least) than India, Pakistan, Afghanistan,The Congo and Somalia where domestic violence is prevalent. This is not so, and may never be so. One should consult the various bodies, not least, the UN for its findings in this area. Also, in Guyana, where tribal and religious mores do not feature, Guyana is better off. For example, in Guyana there is no religious “Female Genital Mutilation’ (at least to my knowledge) and there is no Educational Denial (level nor category). These alone make for a retraction of the assessment made on “Plain Talk.” Here again, Guyana can never be considered worse than India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Congo.

Now as regards Sukree Boodram in particular, one must be very careful not to isolate nor universalise her case. Also, the mere ‘physical elements’ of her book are merely symptomatic of ‘root issues. And so both extremes are dangerous. Also, in Guyana, when a woman is abused, especially physically, most times, that is ‘really not the issue.’ It is deeper, and I think here is where a ‘profound delving into and appreciation of women’s plight must be made. In Guyana, overtime, people have been socialised into thinking that women are ‘less’ than men. The women who have delivered themselves from this ill must now seek  redress for their colleagues, but not in a hurriedly brusque manner. Now why do I say this?

In Guyana, the culture is changing and this is great. However, there is no system in operation to really help all the causes that obtain. Many women cannot report their violations because the ‘law enforcement’ is not just ready to give protection. These women still have to go back home, since their economic sustenance rests upon their abusers.’ You see how this will play out? The man may be ‘feared into ceasing his physically abusive behaviour,’ but he can still get her to be ‘maid’ by ‘shortening allowances,’ ‘practising subtle psychological and verbal abuse,’ withholding encouragement for self development,’ etc. So it is not an easy task.

I close by stating that in Guyana, there are a few shelters, but quite a few women are not happy with what obtains in them. I can speak for one abused woman who cooked for ‘all in the family,’ and even used her personal resources to ‘say thank you’ to the Red Thread organisation for its support and rescue. So even a proper sorority does not exist here. This is why I say that to blame the PPP/C and cast aspersions on Minister Priya Manickchand is not fair at all.

One must seek then to support all activities by the government to aid the women of Guyana. This is why Feminition was so important. It is via programmes like these that women will draw inspiration, seek to be self sufficient, and when this happens, the men’s power base will be eroded. For now, men feel powerful and act in a concomitant way too. Now the awareness of women’s rights is a big issue and this is one step forward. The clarion call then is to be supportive of the efforts locally.