Region Two women leaders push women to empower themselves

INFLUENTIAL women leaders residing in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region have joined hands in encouraging women to speak out against any form of violence they may face. These women leaders hail from various communities in Region Two and have taken up various leadership positions in different sectors on the Essequibo Coast. During interviews conducted with the women, they all related that women should be respected daily and therefore called on them to know their value and to take up responsibilities in society.

Member of Parliament Yvonne Pearson who hails from Mainstay/Whyaka, said that women need to challenge themselves and ensure that they further their studies. She recalled her days when she enrolled at the University of Guyana, IDCE classes at Anna Regina. She said that though she was living in the most remote community she wanted to qualify herself. She recalled riding her “Atlas” bicycle through the lonely road of Anna Regina and Mainstay.

“I challenged myself to keep my head up high. Female voices must be heard, the journey is rough but once you start you must complete and achieve, even if it’s a certificate it will take you far,” Pearson said.

She also called on women to continue to empower themselves by reading. Pearson said that many women are at home during the pandemic and as such can use the opportunity to read and enhance their skills. She also emphasised that the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is investing in women through many programmes and women can tap in on those opportunities.

Former Regional Vice Chairperson and Commissioner on the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Juliet Coonjah said that the commission is concerned about the recent acts of barbarism committed against women in Guyana. She, therefore, said that the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) is calling on all law-abiding and right-minded Guyanese, regardless of their race, age, religion, or political persuasion to condemn in the strongest possible terms the recent violence committed on the 97-year-old Rose Hall elder and also on the Venezuelan woman. She encouraged women who are abused to ensure that they make reports to the closest police station.

“The Guyana Police Force is duty-bound to protect all citizens, especially those who are vulnerable such as elderly women and children; too many of these actions committed are left unsolved,” Coonjah said.

Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva who hails from the Pomeroon River said that women are the backbone of society and as such need to be leaders. De Silva said that women love to challenge and as such, she called on women to educate themselves and take up leadership positions in society.
De Silva said that women must never feel that they cannot achieve anything, adding that she is very proud to be the first woman to be the Regional Chairperson and she would like to see other persons taking up the same positions in society.

The Regional Chairperson said that oftentimes women are abused silently, but refuse to speak out; as such, she is calling on women to speak out and to assure them that help is available.

Chairperson of the Women and Gender Committee of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Verina Rasheed, said that the role of the committee is to respond to issues affecting women, men, and children locally. She said the committee is currently working with various agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to further empower women by creating awareness. She also said efforts are being made to get a place to house elders and abused women in the region.

Retired Headmistress Judy Lall said that women need to learn new things, build new businesses, and love themselves. Lall who hails from Anna Regina, said that women need to add value to their lives and also to know that it is okay to say “No”. She called on women not to see themselves as housewives but to expand their cooking, artistic, and gardening skills. Lall also called on women to practise saving and to be innovative in their thinking.