Fifty-five women from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) were on Sunday evening awarded for their achievements and contributions to society at a gala award ceremony organised by the National Congress of Women (NCW).
The event, which was organised by Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Adams-Yearwood, was hosted at the Watooka Complex in Linden in honour of International Women’s Day which was observed on March 8.
It saw women, including taxi drivers, seamstresses, butchers, newspaper vendors, farmers, security officers and NCW Committee members being awarded trophies and gifts.
Speaking at the event, Social Protection Minister Amna Ally applauded Minister Yearwood and the NCW for recognising the achievements of women-folk.
In this light, she said all must remember the importance of re-doubling efforts in making women’s equality a reality. This, she noted, should be done by ensuring that all women have access to education, decent work and equal pay.
“It means removing structural barriers, the discriminatory institutions and gender stereotypes and practices which prevent women from fulfilling their economic, social and political rights,” the Minister stated.
She also made the call for more women to be involved in politics in order to have a voice in decisions which affect their lives. The Minister further stressed the importance of ensuring that women have freedom from violence, access to healthcare and the ability to make their own decisions regarding sexual and reproductive health. Pointing to the important role of empowerment, she also noted that there is still a great deal to be achieved.
“We need more women to be trailblazers in order to build a more equal society…As we press for progress, let the challenge for this year be to make the women of the past proud, the women of the current inspired and the women of the future envisioned.”
Additionally, the Minister said International Women’s Day provides a great opportunity to reignite, inspire and channel women’s equality for the future.
“Let us press for progress…” she noted as she called on all women to stand up and be counted “Let us work to bridge the gap of rural and urban women,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of NCW, Region 10, Denise Belgrave also stressed that empowering women is necessary in achieving gender equality. She noted that societies flourish when women are given equal respect and are not taken for granted. In pointing to the achievements of women, she said the face of the work arena has changed over the years since women are now taking up jobs in a wide variety of fields.
“Today’s women realise their strengths and abilities and step out to contribute immensely to their society…I feel that women should always be honoured because they are individuals with their own identity, they contribute equally to the betterment of society…This day is significant as we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and personal achievements of women,” Belgrade said.
She stressed that every day should be dedicated to celebrating women.
The women were also treated to entertaining performances by Vision of All Female Band, Pastor Richard McDonald and singer Ronnel Gonsalves among others.
Two of the women receiving awards on Sunday evening
