Local Govt Minister urges continued fight against gender inequality as “16 Days of Activism” end

As the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence came to a close on December 10, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand urged Guyanese to remain vigilant and committed to ending all forms of gender-based abuse.
Speaking during a Facebook Live on Human Rights Day, Manickchand said she was “pleased and relieved” to have fulfilled her promise of sharing daily insights throughout the 16-day campaign, aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence and educating the public.
Coupled with this, Manickchand emphasised that gender inequality – not clothing, provocation, or relationship conflicts – remains the root cause of gender-based abuse.
“My friends, that is the basis of gender-based abuse; it is the inequality between the genders. There’s no other reason; it’s not a triangular love affair. It’s not because she wore a short skirt. It’s not because she provoked him. It’s the gender inequality that prevails around the world. And that’s what we have to change.”
The Minister highlighted that progress cannot be made unless women and girls are given equal access to education, opportunities, and autonomy over their own bodies.
“We have to make sure girls and women are educated. We have to make sure opportunities are available,” she said. “And we have to stand up against the idiotic, silly conversations that push us back into this place where we have no autonomy over bodies, over minds, over spirit, over our beings.”
Reflecting on historical injustices, Manickchand reminded viewers that it was not long ago when women were viewed as property and, denied control over contraception, choices, and basic rights.
“You were your father’s property to sell for a dowry or a husband’s property to do with as he pleased – emotionally, financially, sexually, physically,” she said. “We were not seen as equal to men, and all of that is the foundation of gender-based violence.”
She also called out recent public discourse, including commentary about women’s bodies and appearances, which she said reinforces harmful stereotypes and undermines women’s autonomy.
“These conversations might sound like a little giggle and a little laugh, but they have serious consequences,” she warned. “I expect at least our leaders in Parliament – the executive, the judiciary – to make themselves aware of these issues so that understanding can filter down to the population.”
Manickchand reaffirmed her personal and professional commitment to advocating for gender equality beyond the campaign period.
“Today, at the end of our 16 days of activism, I may stop my daily conversations with you,” she said. “But I promise you I’ll never stop fighting to end gender inequalities because it is just so harmful to all of us, including men, who will never get the best of us if they keep treating us like we are not their equals.”