The Women and Gender Equality Commission has come out in admonition of several unaddressed and unresolved complaints of sexual harassment, which, according to the Commission, are issues which have been ignored or poorly dealt with for much too long – much like domestic violence.
Late last year, in response to a slew of reports, the Commission had launched an anti-sexual harassment campaign, which the Chairperson, Indra Chandrapal, had explained was as a result of increasing reports from women, who noted experiences of unwanted advances from their co-workers. The Commission, more recently, reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Sexual Harassment Advocacy campaign, as part of the Commission’s Strategic Plan and the new plan of action for 2017. The primary aim, based on the information provided, is to provide persons with an opportunity to bring to the Commission’s attention incidents of sexual harassment. To this end, suggestion boxes have been placed at a number of prominent places, and persons are being encouraged to highlight incidents of sexual harassment by dropping the Commission a note detailing the incident into the one of the boxes. It is a fact that many victims are often afraid to come forward; however, this method will allow for concerned individuals or victims to submit details of their complaints and to speak out against such acts, without fear or intimidation. The Commission has also weighed in on the allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment levelled against the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) by the Deputy Mayor of Lethem, and has expressed dismay over the entire situation, for which they are in possession of emails and letters detailing the allegation. The Government has been called on to act condignly in this matter so as to dissuade other public officials from acting in similar manner. Last April, 1200 residents of Region Nine petitioned President David Granger, calling for the removal of the REO, who they accused of discriminatory practices and “unprofessional misconduct”. The document details some 13 accusations against the official, including sexual harassment of female staff of the regional administration. A high-ranking regional staffer in Lethem spoke out and sought help and even filed a complaint with the Police. It is hoped that other men and women who face similar harassment can have the confidence to seek assistance to end it.
The Women and Gender Equality Commission has a vision to encourage an environment where the rights of women are recognised as human rights. The Commission also seeks to “promote issues related to the enhancement of the status of women, girls and gender issues”, as enshrined in Article 29:1 of Guyana’s Constitution. Additionally, the body has a mandate to recommend and promote the implementation of legislation and to formulate policies and measures to “enhance and protect the status of women”. Last year, the Commission had highlighted that, upon perusal of the Labour Act of Guyana, Chapter 98:01, and the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03, it was revealed that there are no specific laws which protect against sexual harassment in workplaces, which, according to the body, rendered a need for this to be examined. It is, therefore, the Commission’s vision to create an environment where the rights of women are recognised as human rights, and gender equality is realised in Guyana, a goal the body has been working towards since its establishment in 2003. Indeed Guyana is guided by some strong laws, including the Domestic Violence Act 1996 and the Sexual Offences Act 2010, which are progressive and gender-inclusive. Despite this however, there are still reports of sexual harassment in workplaces and no policy or laws specifically directed at this heinous act perpetrated against all genders, especially women.
