Dear Editor
THE Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) joins with the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day 2016 under the theme “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it Up for Gender Equality”.Women worldwide continue to impress upon society their notable achievements within the family and the social, political, economic and cultural diaspora.

March 8 is a very significant day in the lives of Guyanese women. Our women have been assuming multiple roles as mothers, wives, homemakers, teachers, lawyers, social workers, entrepreneurs, policy makers, and in other spheres that were dominated by men. We often fail to accentuate the fact that our women are the very social fabric that continues to keep our society knitted.

Women have demonstrated the sort of strength and endurance that is translated into the true meaning of resilience, and, in particular, they refuse to allow the many hardships they face on a daily basis to dictate to and overcome them.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us reflect on the journey thus far travelled, and continue to advocate for our women, to ensure that their contributions are valued, their dignity is respected, and they are able to negotiate a fair distribution of the benefits of growth.

As an association, we stand committed to the global cause of promoting gender parity across all spheres of society. We acknowledge women’s economic participation and empowerment as fundamental to the strengthening of women’s rights, enabling them to have control over their lives and exert influence in society. We extend our hand in collaboration with the public and private sectors and civil society for purposeful action, wherein we can collectively help our women to advance their equality and emancipation, and realize the limitless potential they offer economies around the world.

Yours faithfully,
THE GUYANA ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS