Representation of women in GDF now stands at 10.7%

As the Women’s Army Corp of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) celebrates its 57th anniversary, emphasis was placed on the strides made by women throughout the years in the national security architecture of the country, with a call being issued for more women to take up roles in the military.
Army Chief Brigadier Omar Khan on Tuesday revealed that women make up 10.7 per cent of the organization and highlighted that this is a remarkable achievement in the nation’s quest for gender equality and inclusivity.
“This may seem like a fair improvement, but I believe there is room for improvement for women and their service to the nation through the military”, he said.

Khan’s remarks underscored the evolving landscape within the military, where women have transcended traditional barriers to excel in various roles. From combat positions to crucial support functions such as intelligence, logistics, and medical services, female soldiers are making their mark across diverse sectors of the force.
“You did all this despite the challenges. As a wife, as a mother, and even as you are administering a home… You have truly been a remarkable being in giving service to our country…but, I look forward to improvement in how you conduct and execute your duties…”, he said.
However, Head of the Women’s Army Corps, Colonel Lorraine Foster echoed Khan’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of recognizing and nurturing female talent within the military. She articulated a vision of empowerment, resilience, and commitment among female service members, advocating for an environment where they are valued as indispensable assets to national defense.
“We have to ensure that we maintain the desired level of fitness and body mass index. I desire for us to have a vibrant corps of women who are capable of operating in any theatre or environment….”, she said.
Col. Foster added that she will ensure that mechanisms are in place so that no female feels disadvantaged or taken advantage of.
“I challenge you, therefore, to let persons see our strength and how we can contribute. None of us must use our gender as an excuse for a free pass. We can be all the force requires us to be… I would like us at some point in the future to be able to recruit soldiers and officers, without having to pay attention to numbers or gender. But, for that to happen, women have to be ready and available to serve in all non-traditional areas.”
As the Women’s Army Corps celebrated its 57th anniversary, the occasion served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender parity within the GDF. While the rise to 10.7 per cent represents significant progress, both Khan and Foster reiterated the need for continued efforts to ensure equal opportunities and support mechanisms for female service members.
The anniversary event, held at Base Camp Ayanganna, brought together a diverse array of women from the Joint Service, alongside female veterans, officers’ spouses, and their male counterparts.
Against the backdrop of celebration and reflection, the event underscored the collective commitment to advancing gender equality and fostering an inclusive environment within the Guyana Defence Force. (G-9)