TEN women were honoured and given tokens of appreciation at a delayed celebration of International Women’s Day last Wednesday, even as the   Berbice Regional Health Authority    recognized the contribution of their female folks in the health sector.

The women, including a supervisor of the Drainage and Irrigation clique,   are Dr. Maria Isbella, retired Senior Nurses Jeanette Crandon and Jaya Mangal, acting Senior Department Nurse S. Ramshand, Matron of the National Psychiatric Hospital. B. Gray, Public Relations Officer, Gloria Beharry, Medical Superintendent of New Amsterdam Hospital, Dr. V Sharma, Ms. Ruby, Ms. S Paltoo and Ms. Leah Clarke.
Chairman of the Board Anil Beharry, reflecting on the developmental trends of women, told those present at the BRHA Boardroom, in Fort Canje, that “the fight is not completed, as it’s a process which must be continued.”
However, condemning acts of violence against women, Beharry reminded the invitees of their very own Dr. V Sharma, Medical Superintendent of New Amsterdam Hospital who fell victim to a public verbal assault meted out by an AFC politician.
“The Berbice Regional Health Authority condemns all attempts to abuse women and calls on persons to deal with issues instead of personalities,”
Beharry declared.
Adding her voice, Bijalee Moti of the Women’s Progressive Organisation,   issued a call for all Guyanese women to denounce the disgraceful and vicious attack on the medical practitioner.
“The abuse and violence against women must stop now. The AFC must apologize to all women and Dr Sharma,” she emphasized to thunderous applause.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman David Armogan, while extending congratulations to the health body on its ninth ceremony, noted that the constitution has provisions for equal opportunities for women, and that has resulted in a hike of thirty-two percent representation of women in Parliament.
“In 1991, Parliament consisted of 18.5% women, now a third of the Cabinet members are women who are making a significant contribution.  However, there remains one problem in the society and that is domestic violence… More persons have to condemn the dastardly
Act …”
Armogan also referred to the empowerment value of government’s Women of Worth initiative which has assisted single women to be economically viable.