Guyana leads CARICOM in securing UNFPA backing to tackle sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment

Guyana has become the first Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nation to receive technical support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to address Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) through a national workplace certification programme – a landmark achievement unveiled on Wednesday with the launch of the National Gender Equality and Empowerment Seal.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security officially launched the initiative during a ceremony at Roraima Duke Lodge, bringing together senior Government leaders, private sector bodies, and representatives of the UNFPA. Among those in attendance were Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith, Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Zulfikar Ally, Permanent Secretaries, members of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Private Sector Commission, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and UNFPA representatives.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud emphasised that advancing gender equality and ending gender-based violence demand a united effort across all sectors of society. She pointed out that the new seal is not symbolic but rooted in measurable standards and practical requirements that organisations must meet to transform workplaces.
“This gender seal is not merely a policy; it is an actionable programme where there are measurable indicators,” the Minister said. She explained that the initiative was specifically tailored for both public and private sectors, taking into account the differences between them while maintaining the core objective of ensuring safe workplaces.
“We have taken a mega step today because we have managed to bring together two critical driving forces in our country – the private and public sectors.”
Minister Persaud further underscored the importance of engagement that includes all genders, stressing that the commitment to empowerment must involve boys and men as well.
“We need to have our boys equally walk this path. When we speak of empowerment, and they hear it, they should not only hear females… As we embark on this journey, it will change the way we assess ourselves.”
She urged participating sectors to adopt the seal with seriousness, consistency, and genuine dedication, reminding stakeholders that meaningful workplace transformation can only be achieved through continuous and collective effort.
Addressing the wider issue of violence in Guyana, the Minister rejected the notion that responsibility lies solely with any single entity or group. Instead, she called for a national, unified approach.
“There is an expectation that the responsibility is entrusted to a particular agency or specific people. I want to say no. It cannot and must not be seen as this. It requires us to re-educate, reimagine, and rededicate ourselves. We need to work in unity to counter violence.”
The launch of the National Gender Equality and Empowerment Seal marks a ground-breaking step in Guyana’s efforts to advance dignity, safety, and equal opportunity in workplaces. With UNFPA’s support, Guyana now positions itself as a regional leader in strengthening protections from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment while pursuing comprehensive gender justice across all sectors.