…featuring successful American women
UNITED States Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt, yesterday donated over 30 books, featuring profiles and stories about successful U.S. women, to the Women Across Differences (WAD). A handing over ceremony was organised at the WAB, Anira Street, Queenstown, which saw coordinator Clonel Samuels-Boston accepting the books from Hardt.
The Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer, Tabatha Fairclough and Cultural Affairs Officer Suemayah Abu-Douleh accompanied Hardt to the presentation ceremony.
“Today, the US Embassy would like to recognise WAD, a non-governmental organisation that is providing a much needed forum in Guyana for women to meet and to make their collective voices heard in the area of public policy,” Hardt said.
Women account for more than 50 percent of the global population, but hold less than 20 percent of all parliamentary seats; and according to Hardt, this is one reason the U.S., through its diplomatic missions and international outreach, is determined to ensure that women’s voices are heard.
He recalled that recently, the U.S. Embassy here had the opportunity to attend and support Guyana’s Women and Gender Equality Commission’s successful forum, entitled “Access to Justice for Women.”
“During this forum, we witnessed how the Women and Gender Equality Commission created an open space for women from different sectors to raise specific concerns about women’s justice.”
Hardt said the Women and Gender Equality Commission also recognised USAID for its continuing contributions and support to women’s organisations in Guyana, such as the commission.
“USAID has worked tirelessly to empower Guyana’s women organisations, including the Commission, Red Thread, Help and Shelter, and the Roadside Baptist Skills Training Centre, through grants, support and education.
Hardt said the U.S. Embassy will continue to reach out to the Guyanese community to support and recognise women who are making a difference.
“To this end, I would like to recognise that WAD’s initiatives are also facilitating the empowerment of women. I would like to present you with these books to add to your organisation’s collection of social and economic resources to empower women.”