WHILE emphasising the need for public support to curb domestic violence in Guyana, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, recently urged persons to help victims by reporting such incidents.

She made this plea at a Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) business workshop held at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara.

“People would like this ministry to stop domestic violence [but] the reality is that we cannot know where it is happening… you know if your family member is being abused, you know if the neighbour is being beaten up,” Minister Persaud said.

She added: “Rather than knowing and keeping the knowledge to oneself, what we want people to do is report it.”

The minister said that lots of women seek help, and are asked by her if they have a family. While they respond in the affirmative, she said they also say that no one is willing to help them.

Minister Persaud said that this needs to be changed. She emphasised that if a family member or someone you are close to is being abused, help them to move to a safe place.

“If you are afraid, suggest somewhere … These are the things that we have to do,” she explained.

While the minister spoke candidly about domestic violence, the workshop focused on enhancing the skills of potential and existing entrepreneurs. Facilitators taught them how to write a business plan, to network, and access financing.

The workshop catered for the 2021 WIIN graduates, women entrepreneurs, and women-owned businesses and startups.

During the opening ceremony, the minister encouraged those present to utilise the practical aspects of the workshop and to absorb information on the requirements to start and sustain a business.

During her address to participants, she said: “This is where it gets very exciting because it is important to look outside of the norms to find your niche in your community and the wider country. Look for creative ways that your business could provide solutions and services.”

The idea of the WIIN business workshops is for women to create their own opportunities rather than seek employment in their pursuit of being financially independent.

Minister Persaud further said: “Once a woman in a home is financially independent, once she is empowered, that home becomes more stable because she can provide for her family, she is able to look after herself and she is able to fully understand her inherent potential.”

She emphasised that the activity is by no means just a “talk shop.” The ministry has partnered with several entities to provide practical guidance on how to create an effective business plan, source financing, and register a business.

Partners include the Small Business Bureau; the Centre for Local Business Development; Guyana Tourism Authority; Nations Incorporated; Demerara Bank; Republic Bank Guyana Limited; Scotiabank Guyana; the Guyana Revenue Authority, among others.

Over 700 participants registered for the workshop; however, due to this overwhelming response, additional workshops are being scheduled to facilitate the high demand and will be announced shortly via the ministry’s social media platforms. Some of those workshops will be held in other regions based on the level of interest.