Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Imagine!
Unfortunately, 114 years after International Women’s Day was first observed, the type of change women all over the world are clamouring for is yet to materialise. To have a perspective of the progress made, one must look at the statistics of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which asserts that women in decision-making accounted for only 26.9% in 2022 and a mere increase of 0.4% in 2023. In 1975, when the UN declared the Decade for Women, women accounted for 10.9% in leadership. Ten years later, only 1% to an average of 12% are women in political leadership. Imagine, a mere 1% increase in a decade.
However, a few countries have done well. Cuba has more women in Parliament; whereas, in Nigeria, 3 out of 109 parliamentarians are women, while Oman has none. This tells the story of lip service and inaction.
It would be interesting to see how well governments around the world would honour their commitments to Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 5, by 2030. The collective efforts of millions of women around the world have shaped the Beijing Platform for Action, which provides a road map for governments, civil societies, NGOs, and international organizations. There is no shortage of ideas or resolution, ONLY the will to make the change. We are happy that Guyana has 39% of women in decision-making, and all the indicators in the social sectors are improving. As we observe another IWD, we are mindful of the challenges which we must overcome.
There is still too much violence in OUR society – physical, sexual, mental and psychological violence. Too many people are being hurt because the use of violence seems to be the first option.
Why? Why is violence the first option? Why are people so readily resorting to violence? Is it because people are intoxicated?
There are now many types of intoxicants in our society. We have the old alcoholic beverages, which we all know. There is marijuana. There is cocaine. Now there is an influx of synthetic drugs. Some are in the form of tablets, some in the form of gummies, some in the form of candy, and some are in the form of vapes.
What is clear is that we have a problem, and we all must deal with it. Each of us must play our role. Do not be violent to another person, whether in or out of the home. Help the person who is being abused. Let us work together to stop this violence now!
We call on the citizens of our country to raise their voices against the betting shops that are permeating communities, as well as those businesses and individuals who are bringing behaviour- altering substances such as those that are disguised as gummies and vapes into the lives of our young men and women.
We wish to remind our menfolk to provide leadership to their sons and daughters, so that they do not fall prey to drug addiction and harmful social behaviours, which lead especially to gender-based violence.
Women constitute the foot soldiers in politics, and we must continuously remind our political leadership of the importance of that large percentage of voters. Women need to stand up, speak out, and mobilise to advance the rights of women and girls.
We need to create an enabling environment to promote gender equality through access to education, employment and decision making.
We take this opportunity to call on our Government to ensure that the women acting in the positions of Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice are confirmed.
We call on all Guyanese to work unitedly for a better society for all.
Happy International Women’s Day.
8th March 2025.
Sincerely,
Indranie Chandarpal
Chairperson
Women & Gender
Equality Commission
