DESIGNATED by the United Nations (UN), International Women’s Day (IWD) is put aside to celebrate the contributions of the world’s womenfolk to mankind’s existence. Their innate love, whether manifested by their sole unique gift of bearing then caring for their young, or sharing affection with their partners, should be the overwhelming emotion upon which all others are built. Indeed, the dedication, devotion and commitment women can demonstrate are virtues necessary for any group, any society’s development.

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) is pleased to send greetings to all Guyana’s women on this auspicious day. FITUG realises that even as we celebrate the reality of our women in Parliament, in the Judiciary, in the professions and trades, we must not ignore the other reality. That reality reveals that too many of our Guyanese women are still suffering abuse in some form or the other.

There is no better occasion than today, for us, both men and women folk in positions of authority and trust, to re-emphasize a commitment – with sound programmes and effective grassroots techniques – to eradicating this scourge of physical, psychological and mental abuse of our women. FITUG sees even the vulnerability of the needy females as abuse. The remedies suggest themselves.

So on this IWD, FITUG commits itself to joining forces with all agencies concerned in eliminating abuse, discrimination, everything harmful to our girls and women.

Let’s regard every female child, every nurse, teacher, waitress, maid, counter clerk, market vendor or cook as our wife, daughter, niece, sister, mother or grandmother. Let’s protect them and promote their unique worth.

Happy IWD!