‘Bring about the change we want to see’
–especially on gender and women’s issues

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security Jennifer Westfordlast Thursday called on members of the Regional Women’s Affairs Committee to strive to influence “the change we want to see,” especially on gender and women’s issues.

Minister Webster was delivering the feature address at the opening of the two-day Annual General Meeting (AGM)of the Regional Women’s Affairs Committee at the Regency Suites Hotel, here in the city.

Also addressing the meeting, under the theme “Enhancing the Development of Our Women and Embracing Gender Equality”, were Permanent Secretary (Ag.)in the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Patrick Findlay; Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute; and Ms. Cheryl Herbert, Gender Specialist at the CARICOM Secretariat. Chairperson was Ms. Hymawattie Lagan, Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB).

The two-day caucus reviewed reports from respective regions on achievements, challenges, actions taken and recommendations following the last AGM. There were discussions and deliberations on Minimum Wages and Conditions of Work, with a focus on a decent work programme; Climate Change and the Role of Women; Women in Entrepreneurship; and Women and Health.

There were also presentations by Director, Child Care and Protection Agency, Ms. Anne Greene on ‘Child Abuse’; Mr. Ricardo Banwarie, Assistant Chief Probation and Social Services Officer (ag.) on ‘The Social Services and Welfare Department’; and a discussion led by Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau, Ms. Hymawattie Lagan on ‘Gender-based Violence and its effects on the Family’. The forum facilitated the sharing of experiences on the topics, challenges, root causes and recommendations.
There was also an update on the convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); a review of Roles and Functions of the Regional Women’s Affairs Committees (RWACs); as well as the development of a work programme for 2015, among other matters.
Lagan, in her brief opening remarks, said the meeting was special and it presented the opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences, build bridges and forge relationships with other strategic partners.
Noting that a number of issues were to be explored and strategies arrived at, she urged the body to use these to widen collaboration and strengthen partnerships in and

around the administrative regions of Guyana.
Minister Webster said that during the conference, participants would have the opportunity to review progress made in areas to support the empowerment of Guyana’s women, and also to look at critical issues which need to be addressed in their respective regions. Such issues include gender-based violence, facilitating greater employment and training opportunities for women, to name a few .

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
She said the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security supports the view that women must be seen as agents for Guyana’s national development and the catalyst for change. “We are quite aware that women’s empowerment is essential for development and productivity and must be seen as the catalyst to achieve the desired effect for a ‘Better Guyana’.
Webster maintained that women’s empowerment has a multiplier effect, and the benefits travel from the home to national development. She also made the point that women’s empowerment must be seen as a mechanism for growth and the diversification of Guyana’s economy.
Meanwhile, she also highlighted the bigger picture in which officers of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security are routinely confronted with the scenario of perils many people suffer.
“Therefore, we recognise the need for greater social support, especially as it relates to our women and children, whom the scourge of domestic, sexual, physical abuse and other social ills have had a negative impact upon their lives,” Webster declared.
On the rights of women, the minister alluded to the strong international and national legal framework enshrined within Guyana’s constitution to protect the human rights of women and to punish discrimination, based on gender.

BE THE CHANGE
Meanwhile, Webster highlighted the importance of recognizing that with some determination, it is possible to bring about “the change we want to see,” especially on gender and women’s issues.
She placed on the front burner, the need for programmes which will improve the literacy level of more girls and women, and called on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), churches and other religious bodies to get involved in making the difference.
To this end, Minister Webster cited programmes being undertaken in various communities where government, through its ‘One Laptop per Family’ initiative, is empowering women to prepare for the new changing role of Guyana and the world at large, through the use of Information Technology.
Noting that the current scenario is quite different from 40 years ago, the minister drew attention to the fact that today, women have more opportunities, and therefore called on the AGM, over the two days, to brainstorm and think outside the box, in relation to creating avenues for improving the lot of women and girls within their communities – academically and otherwise.
The minister said that armed with skills and knowledge women will be able to access jobs which will allow them to support themselves and families. “But they must first be literate,” she stressed.
She urged the gathering to look at the situation in a holistic way, and to support through their regional programmes women’s improved literacy skills, since there are many young women who need support, mentorship and guidance.

(By Shirley Thomas)