MINISTER of Social Protection, Amna Ally and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company, Justin Nedd, on Wednesday jointly signed a pledge, committing to ‘Be Bold for Change’ in observance of International Women’s Day 2017, and paving the way for others to do likewise.
The venue was GTT’s Retail Experience Store, 55, Brickdam, Georgetown.
GTT Public Relations Officer, Allison Parker, said that the local initiative which aims at getting a minimum 1000 signatures over the next week is GTT’s contribution to motivating persons to Be Bold for Change, taking bold and dynamic action to effect change in support of gender equality and inclusivity for women in the world of work.
The pledge reads: “I am bold for Change … [and] Pledge to help forge a better working world – a more inclusive, gender equal world. # Be bold for Change.”
International Women’s Day was first observed on March 8, 1908, and is aimed at driving change and forcing equality for women across the world, according to CEO, Justin Nedd.
With a call for a close in the gender gap at the workplace, the momentum is being intensified to meet that 50 per cent target by 2030. But with the World Economic Forum’s prediction that the gender gap would not close entirely until 2186, proponents for gender parity in the workplace affirm that this period is much too long to wait.
Nedd said that GTT is proud to be the leader in this respect, since with a 40 per cent female workforce, the company is to be considered ahead of the curve, and well on its way to reaching the 50 per cent target by 2030.
“As we force change in Guyana and throughout the country, we really want to emphasise that we respect the position that women take in this world and pledge to be ‘Bold for Change’ – not only in Guyana, not only in GTT, but the world over,” Nedd said.
Other areas in which he cited GTT as being ahead of the curve include technology, broadband and gender equality in the workplace.
Meanwhile, Minister Ally said it was a very special day that has significance, particularly for women. She congratulated GTT’s for its initiative aimed at garnering support for gender equality and a better working world for women
And lauding GTT’s 40 per cent female workforce, the minister said it is the hope that by 2030, in Guyana, there would be a 50:50 male/female ratio – not only in the workplace, but in all spheres of life.
Minister Ally gave kudos for the telecommunication giant for its bold initiative aimed at recognising the work of women and pressing for gender parity.
She also said that the AFC+APNU Coalition Government is promoting ‘womanism’ and equality for all women. She expressed confidence that with that in mind, and with GTT being a subscriber to the cause, the 50/50 target will be realised by 2030.
Meanwhile, persons interested in taking the pledge ‘to be bold for change’ and for a better work place; a more inclusive, gender equal world; can do so, simply by visiting GTT’s Retail Experience Store at 55 Brickdam, Georgetown.
There they will be ushered to the board and offered the opportunity to affix their signatures under the slogan which reads: “Be Bold for Change.”