Female reporters of the Guyana National Newspaper Limited (GNNL) were reminded of the important role the media play in the promotion of gender equality, at an elegant dinner in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The event took place at Roraima Duke Lodge on the evening of Saturday, March 9, 2019, and saw the attendance of women of the GNNL’s editorial department as well as General Manager (ag) Donna Todd and Editor-in-Chief, Nigel Williams.

Director of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission, Dawn Holder-Cush, who addressed the gathering, encouraged the women to continue to use their platforms to inspire positive change.

“The media play an important role in society. Their report of current events provides frameworks for interpretation; mobilise citizens with regard to various issues; reproduce predominant culture and society and entertain. As such, the media have an important role to play in the promotion of gender equality within the working environment in terms of employment and promotion of females,” she said.

She added: “Female media professionals are more likely to reflect other women’s needs and perspectives than their male colleagues.”
Holder-Cush acknowledged that the world has come a long way from when women were not allowed to work to now where women hold some of the highest positions of power around the world.

Using herself as an example, the director said she is a mother, grandmother, wife, professional woman, friend and more, and believes that women should not let anyone, but themselves, define who they are.

“I’ve found a good balance and I would encourage all of you to strive to find that balance. Don’t ever let work define who you are; you must define who you are,” she encouraged.
Holder-Cush also advised the women present to strive to hold each other up rather than pull each other down.

Todd, in her remarks to the gathering, welcomed the opportunity to celebrate the immense contribution of women in shaping the society they live in.
She recognised that, while the rights of women have been improving over the years, there was still much room for improvement.

Todd noted that it was the responsibility of governments around the world to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and enable them to meet their roles in social and political environments.

She also reminded that leaders around the world have begun to realise that men cannot make decisions on behalf of women and, in order to ensure sustainable development, women must be empowered.

“On this day, we bow before women who, despite adversities, have been able to improve their status in society,” she said.
“As we embrace the theme ‘Balance for Better’, I implore you ladies to continue to strive for greater academic achievement so that you can recognise and realise your full potential. In doing so, you can play a major role in reducing the inequalities which now exist because you have the power to better the balance to forge a more gender-balanced society.”
Remarks came too from Williams who commended the initiative and those who worked to make it a reality.

The night was also filled with entertainment in the form of song and poetry while several reporters reflected on their life in the media, providing invaluable advice to those up and coming.