THE Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) has called for the realisation of women’s rights as the world observes International Women’s Day today.
“Today is International Women’s Day under the theme: “GENERATION EQUALITY: REALISING WOMEN’S RIGHTS,” and the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers lauds all women in Guyana and our wider community,” said the association in a press release.
“Women’s rights are human rights and we are all agreed that human rights ought to be observed for and by all,” the release said.

It said that Generation Equality therefore means that for this generation and all those to come, “equality” must be a common thread in all actions and words.
“In every respect, women must be treated in equal manner to men. Their status and stature are of no less importance than those for men. Their roles and contributions to all spheres of society’s functioning and life in general, ought not to in any way be diminished,” the release said.

It noted that in terms of the law, and the provisions in Guyana’s constitution and laws, the term “equality” should be naturally and seamlessly applied.

“There is a number of constitutional provisions and domestic laws that guarantee equality (Article 149E – Equality of Status and 149F – Equality for women), which are intended to ensure women’s rights. We are also reminded of provisions of the Equal Rights Act 1990. We must also be informed about Article 29 of the constitution which provides for women’s participation in decision-making and section 11B (5) of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03, which was zealously fought for to ensure that a minimum of one-third (1/3) of the composition of representative lists for political parties comprise women, with a similar formula expected to be applied for representation in the National Assembly (Parliament),” the release said.

The association noted that additionally, through constitutional amendment, there is the establishment and thereafter functioning of the Women and Gender Equality Commission (W&GEC), which is part of several human rights commissions intended to oversee the realisation of women’s rights. It noted that at the same time, the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was made a part of Guyana’s constitution, thus solidifying this country’s obligations to realise the rights of women.

“Previous generations fought for formal recognition of the principle that ‘women’s rights are human rights’ and therefore equality for women and men. This generation MUST insist on tangible adherence to these principles and not accept tokenism. Therefore, women’s rights must be realised in all spheres: fair access to jobs and job opportunities; salaries and wages commensurate with duties and responsibilities only i.e. equal pay for work of equal value; membership on boards of directors in the public and private sectors; and training opportunities in all areas of endeavour at the professional, technical or vocational levels, among others. In ensuring equality, there must not be any gender discrimination,” the association said.

It said this is the time for women to “step up” even more, support and champion each other, be consistent in forthrightly and confidently saying that “WE are capable of doing and we must be allowed to do.” “Importantly, we must ensure that girls are equally equipped to be ‘Generation Equality.’ It is time for a full realisation of our rights. GAWL will do its part to ensure this. We urge the W&GEC and all women’s organisations to continue to do their part,” the release said.