‘Long road ahead for women’s equality’ – Chancellor of the Judiciary

Despite notable progress in women’s representation in Guyana’s judiciary, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, has emphasized that true gender equality remains a distant goal.
Speaking in observance of the International Day of Women Judges, she called for greater inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making roles, particularly in both public and private sectors.

While women now make up more than 50 percent of Guyana’s judiciary, a remarkable achievement, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards argued that representation alone does not equate to equality.
The Chancellor who was at the time addressing the inaugural Memorial Lecture in honour of Madam Justice Desiree Bernard, on the topic “Article 29: Women’s Participation in Decision Making: Have We Arrived?”, stressed that leadership positions across both sectors should reflect a diverse and balanced representation of men and women.
“Leadership positions in both public and private should have a wide cross-section of persons, both male and female, who must represent the interests of their constituents. They must represent the interests of the public. So, it cannot be one-sided. It must be all-encompassing… For there to be gender equality and to bridge the gender divide, it is evident that a lot has to be done. Article 29, it would appear, is a brilliant start, a step in the right direction,” the Chancellor said.
Justice Cummings-Edwards pointed out that while Article 29 of the Guyana Constitution guarantees equal rights in both public and private spheres, additional legal protections are necessary to bridge the gender divide.
“Are we there yet? Have we arrived? Are we complacent? Or are we saying the rights are there and we can just sit on our laurels and do not active those rights. Should we have our law makers work towards having more laws that will allow women to enjoy greater freedom”.
“I would say in my view that we are there but there is still more to go. I’m looking at the private sphere where in the area of domestic violence, family violence, sexual violence, despite forward thinking legislation like the sexual offences act, the family violence act and so many other pieces of legislation they are still cases of domestic violence or family violence. What is reported is not half of the picture,” the Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary explained.
The Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary explained that tackling this issue will call for immediate action, regional outreaches, the reform of legislative processes, and a commitment from all stakeholders.
She further went on to note that the work of the late Justice Desiree Bernard and her counterparts must continue, particularly as it relates to ensuring that women are trailblazers in the legal fraternity.
“We have to be vigilant and continue to work. What has started by Justice Bernard and countless others to achieve full participation of women in decision making and management processes… we have to wear heavy boots on the ground to smash the glass ceiling.”