The Progressive Youth Organisation of Guyana wishes to salute the gains made by women here in their pursuit to create a society where gender equality is paramount and endorsed by all.
The PYO also wishes to record its full support for herculean efforts made by the Women’s Progressive Organisation in advancing the fight for equal rights and opportunities for all Guyanese women in their place of work, employment and the wider society.The PYO believes that the WPO and the grass root women which form its membership are deserving of praise for the achievements made in affording women the basic human rights and the ability to participate in the decision-making processes of our democratic state.
We would fall into gross error were we not to recognise the stellar contributions made by Guyana’s first woman President, the late Comrade Janet Jagan, to the fight for women’s rights in this country.
Coincidently, this month is dedicated towards reflecting on her life and achievements.
The PYO recalls that Mrs Janet Jagan was at the forefront of “inspiring change” ina male-driven society which, at the time of her entrance into Guyanese politics, did not value the role of women in this process.
Additionally, the PYO remembers Jane Phillips Gay and Jessie Burnham who also worked assiduously for women’s rights in our country.
The organisation has also noted the admirable work done by several well-recognized Non-Governmental Organisations, religious bodies and civil society which, each day, champion the cause of women.
Additionally, the PYO understands the important role played by women in almost every sphere of our economy and has noted their invaluable contribution to the growth and development of Guyana.
As women across the world celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme “Inspire Change” and all of the other themes chosen by organisations such as the UN, the PYO wishes to call on all Guyanese to take a stance against the worrying trend of domestic abuse in our society.
The PYO recognizes the efforts being made by the government to address this assault on women and therefore wishes to stress the need for all stakeholders to play an integral role in the fight against domestic violence.
The PYO is proud of the trend of women’s development witnessed under the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic, and therefore salutes all female Ministers, legislators, party members and women in our society.