Guyana achieves gender parity, empowers women in leadership – Ali tells UN

President Dr Irfaan Ali told the United Nations (UN) that Guyana’s strategic investments in women and girls are yielding tangible results, with more women now serving in leadership roles across Government, Parliament, and the private sector.
He noted that Guyana has achieved gender parity in education at all levels, while also advancing women’s empowerment through land and home ownership, childcare support, including the rollout of day and night care centres, and expanded job opportunities in both traditional and emerging industries.
“In Guyana, the dividends of strategic investments in leadership and capacity building for women and girls are evident. More women have assumed leadership roles in Government, in Parliament, and in public and private sectors. We have achieved gender parity in education at all levels and advanced the socioeconomic empowerment of women through land and home ownership and diverse job opportunities in traditional and emerging sectors,” the Guyanese leader said.
President Ali explained that with the Government’s strategic development plan, women are making significant strides in leadership, business, and traditionally male-dominated fields, with Government-led initiatives paving the way for greater inclusion and empowerment.
In fact, back in 2024, First Lady Arya Ali was conferred with the Global Female Impact Leadership Award during the Global Power Women Conference (GPWC) at the City University of New York, in recognition of her work to advance the rights of women and girls.
The award honours global First Ladies who have made a significant impact through strategic and compassionate leadership, advocacy, and by addressing critical issues. It also recognises those driving positive social or environmental change or shaping global policies and practices to make a tangible difference in the world.
Notably, the Guyanese Cabinet also includes several women in leadership positions, including Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixerira, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Pauline Sukhai, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Education Sonia Parag, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Brown, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Vidyha Persuad, and Minister within the Minister of Housing Vanessa Benn.
According to the Head of State, the key to sustaining this progress lies in persistence, support, and a commitment to ensuring that all women have the opportunities and resources necessary to thrive in Guyana’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.
“To enable women to participate equally and competitively in the workforce, the Government is offering childcare support, which will include day and night care centres for children… It requires a people-centred approach that prioritises ending poverty and hunger, ensuring protection of children, support for persons with disabilities, and empowerment of young people,” he said.