Investing in women is more than a moral or social obligation – Berbice Chamber President

Investing in women is more than a moral or social obligation; it sets the foundation for a society that values equality, innovation, and sustainability.
This is according to the President of Berbice Chamber of Commerce, Samantha Reid,
who made this comment while addressing a group of women at an event organised by the Chamber on Thursday in observance of International Woman’s Day, which was held last week.
Reid pointed out that evidence is there in the form of research that societies that empower women economically, politically, and socially are more prosperous and peaceful.
Reid, who heads two businesses, said investing in women’s education, supporting women’s entrepreneurs, and opening avenues for women in leadership sets the foundation for a society that values equality, innovation, and sustainability.
“For Guyana, this principle holds the key to unlocking our nation’s full potential. As our economy grows, especially with the recent expansions in energy, agriculture, and technology sectors, the role of women becomes even more critical. And by creating opportunities for women in these sectors, not only do we foster a more inclusive economy, but we also accelerate our collective progress,” Reid has said.
“In recent years, Guyana has made significant strides in recognizing the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment. From grassroots organizations to national policies, efforts are being made to ensure women have the support they need to thrive. We see women leading in academia, in businesses (like many of you here), in politics, and in our communities, breaking barriers and setting new standards. But there’s more to be done,” Reid said.

She said that as Guyana’s economy continues to advance, new opportunities are emerging, and women must be allowed to participate in those emerging opportunities. Investments must be made in education for girls, in supporting women-led startups, and in ensuring women have equal access to emerging job markets. This, Reid pointed out, would require concerted effort on all fronts.
“‘You can’t just sit down; you have to go looking for opportunities’ is a mantra that has and continues to guide me throughout my career. Opportunities are abundant; it’s about what and where we are seeking these, and the effort we’re willing to put in,” she explained.
“Hard work and dedication, and the willingness to pivot when necessary have been the cornerstones of my journey,” she declared.
“Identifying what I was good at, enhancing those skills and building upon them led me to where I am today. But above all, it was the pursuit of purpose that drove me. I learned early on not to chase money but to chase purpose; and indeed, the money followed,” Reid noted.
The exercise saw several women who had made significant contributions to society, and First Lady Arya Ali was on hand to distribute the awards. Among those awardees was proprietress of Church View International Hotel, Ullowtie Bhookmohan, who is also an advocate for women.
In addition, Saraswattie Sripal, who started at a young age selling rice in the New Amsterdam Market and now owns leading supermarkets in the town, was honoured for her role in business.
Other women who were recognized were Stephanie Bowry, a renowned poet and storyteller; Ramdolarie Maraj, who has made enormous contributions to the sustainability of Indian culture; Katherine Archer, an educator who was involved in various facets of community development, including the Municipality; Winnifred Yearwood a former Mayor, teacher, sports official, pastor, and community activist; Barbara Pilgrim, a former Mayor, parliamentarian, community activist, and woman of courage; Onica Ramsuchit who led Guyana’s first female team to international recognition in Canada; and
Esther Bruyning, who raised and cared for over one hundred and fifty orphans, including babies.
The Chamber also honoured several of its female members, including Reid.
Meanwhile, banker Denise Bachan, in her delivery at the event, said the achievements and desires of women cannot be established by themselves. She said men would have to play a role if those achievements and desires are to be met.
Bachan called on women to be supportive of each other and to build a strong supportive system. “We have to form (alliances) with our menfolk and other genders in our society, because we cannot do it alone. We need the help and support of our fathers, our brothers, our spouses and our friends to continue along this path. If you check the news, almost every day there is some atrocity against women. So, we need to educate our menfolk as to how we want to be treated, so that they can support their daughters, sisters, mothers, and other womenfolk among them,” Bachan has said. (G4)