GCCI lauds Gender Equality & Empowerment Seal initiative

As Guyana observes “16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence”, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) recognises the importance of safe working environments for women as well as equal opportunities for employment as a means of empowerment. As such, the Chamber was pleased to participate in the launch of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s “Gender Equality & Empowerment Seal” on November 26 at the Roraima Duke Lodge.
This Gender Equality and Empowerment Seal initiative promotes safe, inclusive, and discrimination-free workplaces across the country, targeting issues such as sexual harassment, workplace safety, empowerment, and conduct.
Secretary of the GCCI, Kristia Ramlagan-Prescott, in her remarks at the launch, described the initiative as pivotal to positively impacting the lives of women. Noting that gender-based violence remains a deep concern, she highlighted the vulnerability of women who are dependent on their partners in an abuse dynamic. She stated that the GCCI believes that creating employment opportunities and support mechanisms are crucial in empowering women in escaping abusive relationships and preserving their well-being, as it removes that vulnerability due to absolute dependence. She commended the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security for taking strategic measures to provide much-needed resources in this regard.
This initiative comes on the heels of the Ministry’s Day and Night Care Programme that was launched at the GCCI Secretariat by Hon Dr Vindhya Persaud. Through that programme, members of the Chamber committed to providing childcare facilities at their offices to allow working parents to have after-school and day-care options at their place of work. By creating an avenue for women in particular to have a safe place for their children to have supervised care while they work, GCCI members are equipping them with the ability to support themselves and their families. She underscored that employment is empowerment – and employment with support and resources paves the way for independence.
The GCCI Secretary noted that as an organisation where close to 50 per cent of its membership are either women-owned or women-led businesses, the GCCI workplan heavily focuses on the development of women entrepreneurs. She highlighted the Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre that aims to support the advancement of women in business. She reiterated the GCCI’s support for this initiative and the journey ahead in its implementation.