EVERY year, millions around the globe make bold resolutions—whether hitting the gym, learning a new language, or embarking on transformative journeys. But for a group of women in Region Two, Essequibo, the resolution for 2025 is larger than personal growth. It’s about creating new beginnings for others. The Be Her Hero Women’s Group, based in the village of Charity, is one of Guyana’s newest and fastest-growing women-led organisations. With 20 dedicated members, their mission for the coming year is simple: to give women across Region Two, and eventually all of Guyana, a whole host of new opportunities.

Be Her Hero: A journey rooted in support
The Be Her Hero Women’s Group was born from humble beginnings—a casual meeting among mothers that turned into a formalised initiative to support women. According to Secretary Wanica Persaud, an entrepreneur and women’s rights activist, the idea was sparked at a school meeting. “The organisation was formed at a meetup at a school, actually. It was more of a get-together with parents. We were all from the community, and we said we needed a group to support women,” shared Persaud.

The group wasted no time launching impactful initiatives. Their first project aligned with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, providing aid to survivors and spreading awareness across the Essequibo Coast. “We started working. The first thing we did was work for breast cancer. We did a lot of awareness, and we also distributed hampers to survivors and patients from communities like Anna Regina and Charity,” said Persaud.

Be Her Hero’s efforts go far beyond health awareness. The group has organised community programmes such as dance and karate classes for children, seeking to address the lack of extracurricular activities in the area. However, vulnerable women remain the group’s core focus. “If there’s a woman in need, we have a set amount that we would give towards her—be it cash, groceries, or whatever is needed,” said Persaud.

Building safe spaces: President Savina Sukhnandan’s vision
For President Savina Sukhnandan, the group’s purpose extends to creating safe spaces for women while tackling issues like domestic violence. “Basically, our group is about creating a safe space for women. We help them with training, and we advocate for women in domestic violence situations. We’ve assisted women in connecting with the right resources and also support destitute families,” Sukhnandan explained.

Looking ahead, the group is setting its sights on sustainability and growth, with the goal of having a network of women all across the region. “In the future, one of the main goals we’re aiming for is to secure grants for our initiatives,” said Sukhnandan. “We want to make our breast cancer hampers an annual event. We also collaborate with the hospital to assist people with cervical cancer screenings.”

Although the group took a brief hiatus earlier this year, they are gearing up to chart a detailed calendar for 2025, starting with their first meeting in January. At the heart of Be Her Hero’s vision is the dream of establishing a community centre. “Our ultimate goal is to have a centre for our children. We want to provide access to activities like cricket, dance, and art—not just for children but for women too,” Sukhnandan noted. The group also hopes to inspire women in Essequibo to embrace opportunities beyond traditional roles. “We want women to know that it’s more than just being a housewife or having kids. There’s so much more they can achieve,” she shared.

In just a year, Be Her Hero has already made a tangible impact. Members of the group have gone on to pursue careers in teaching, nursing, and small business ownership. Sukhnandan highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit among members: “Most of our women are starting their own businesses. Some work in public service, like one member who’s a doctor. But we’ve seen a significant increase in women entering entrepreneurship since joining the group,” she explained.

Now the group is also focused on expanding its reach across Region Two and beyond. “Our group is not limited to our community. We welcome women from all parts of Region Two to join us. We’ve gained interest from other areas because of how passionate our group is about making a difference,” Sukhnandan said.

As 2025 approaches, Be Her Hero aims to transform the lives of women across Essequibo. With initiatives focused on health, empowerment, and community building, their resolution to create new opportunities for women is not just a goal—it’s a promise to their community. Through their work, they are proving that a new year can bring not only personal change but also collective empowerment. For the women of Essequibo, Be Her Hero is more than a group; it’s a beacon of hope for a brighter future.