Good Govt initiative – empowering women the right way

Dear Editor,
My interest has been piqued by the news that the People’s Progressive Party Civic Government is looking to train some 500 women to operate heavy machines for the mining and energy sectors.
According to President Irfaan Ali, talks are ongoing with several big companies in the energy sector to train these women to operate heavy-duty machines used in these areas. Unprecedented, but very uplifting, and I am so elated with this kind of initiative.
Editor, ‘myth-busters’ are needed, and this is one right here, where we need to realise that being male or female should not be a basis for discrimination, according to the crucial constitutional value of equality. The Constitution prohibits discrimination between men and women, although it still occurs worldwide, but Guyana seems committed to fighting it.
I add that working full-time gives women a bigger sense of purpose and personal fulfillment. Having a life of their own and enjoying it on their own terms is very important for every individual, and women must be a part of this. After all, working women have a life beyond their families and kids, which gives them a sense of self-accomplishment and fulfillment.
As we know, women’s empowerment means a sense of self-worth; the right to have and to determine choices; the right to have access to opportunities and resources; the right to have the power to control their own lives, both within and outside the home. Thus, they would have the ability to influence the direction of social changes. With high self-esteem, learnability and societal status, women will have a voice. This is because, with this opportunity to be trained to work, especially in an area where men seem to think they have a monopoly, women can start to level the playing field.
The details from the President himself are that there is the potential for successful participants to earn an average salary of $350,000 monthly. He noted that “The Government is going to invest in ensuring that (the women) are certified, and we are going to partner with the Private Sector, so (they) move smoothly from certification to employment.”
Another factor, and again we all know it, is that there are a number of huge advantages to women working. These include more income for their families, the opportunity to explore their talents, and the promotion of economic growth. When women work, they make money that adds to their families’ financial well-being. This helps pay bills, buy food, and educate children. But it goes beyond all of these, as, when women earn, they are in a great position to ‘push back’ against any form of violence. Simple! Money talks. It gives options and recourses, and if it helps to ‘trim masculinity,’ then so be it.
I am mentioning this because, in making the announcement regarding the programme, President Ali sounded a stern stance and unwavering commitment towards eradicating violence against women, stressing a zero-tolerance policy approach. He acknowledged that the social issue continues to be a “devil” plaguing the nation, and proffered that the
“…root cause is our silence; the root cause is our collective guilt…not to stand strong and definitively against violence against women. If we do that, we can get rid of this monster and devil from society.”
I contend that, with a career and money from it, women will not be silent, and this will go a far way to redress this ‘devil’ in the camp.

Sincerely,
H Singh