THE European Union (EU) remains committed to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.Consequently, it is currently funding about 200 projects and initiatives around the world aimed at helping women benefit from education and health care, to work and live free from violence and discrimination and assume their rightful place in society.
The rights of all women and girls are a universal priority for the EU and this is reflected in the current discussions on the post-2015 framework for poverty eradication and sustainable development.
All that was said by EU Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Robert Kopecký, on behalf of Ms. Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, she said: “We celebrate the real transformation the world has witnessed in women’s rights, thanks both to individual achievements and our common participation in political life.
“Women have made great advances but there is still a long way to go to achieve a world free from gender-based discrimination. Equal access to education and health services and the chance to become a full participant in political life is everyone’s right and an essential ingredient of democracy.
“Long-term stability and development can only be achieved, if violence and discrimination against women are addressed,” she posited.
Working closely
Kopecky had said that, in Guyana the EU is working closely with the government and civil society to promote gender equality and the rights of women, through programmes such as the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights and the Non-State Actors/Local Authorities instrument.
Those instruments help to empower women, combat domestic abuse and end gender discrimination, by funding projects with local partners like Help & Shelter, ChildLink, Merundoi and the Mangrove Reserve Women Agriculture Producers (an association comprised entirely of women entrepreneurs).
They are examples of the collaboration between the EU and local organisations which are resulting in the empowerment of Guyanese women.
He said the EU also remains committed to cooperating closely with the Government of Guyana in implementing international resolutions, condemning violence and discrimination against women on all fronts.
“Where women prosper, societies prosper; where women suffer, so do the societies they live in. I have had the privilege of meeting many inspiring women who, through their hard work and sacrifices, have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries.
“Today, I pay tribute to these women whose courage and determination pave the way for future generations,” Kopecky stated.