Scores of women-led businesses turn out at “We Lift” Essequibo

More than 50 women-led businesses were given the opportunity to promote themselves on Wednesday at the first-ever “We Lift Essequibo” expo organised by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, in collaboration with the Regional Gender Affairs Committee of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
The event was held at the Anna Regina Town Council, where the women-led small businesses were able to showcase their products and build relationships with each other and customers, during the event which was held in observance of Women’s History Month under the theme “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”.

Businesses on display ranged from food and wellness outlets to those focusing on make-up, face painting, craft, beauty products, and fashion designing, as well as pet shops and clinics.
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, in her feature address, called for all to be a part of the fight for gender equality to accelerate the pace and amplify the voices working for change.
“The programme featured significant contributions from girls and young women who have held their own in male-dominated spheres. By taking this initiative to Essequibo, I hope that the same enthusiasm and momentum can be generated when it comes to accelerating opportunities for women’s empowerment, growth, and the start of business, and promotion of gender equality and equity,” the Minister said.
She stated that “We Lift” should be supported by all Essequibians who should attend to show their support for the work and efforts of women in the Region. She also noted that the Human Services Ministry would continue to provide platforms to highlight the offerings of Guyanese women under the tagline “#made by Guyanese women for the world”.

“I feel it is imperative to give wider exposure to women and their businesses as it will aid in raising their visibility and increase their opportunities in diverse ways. Essequibo is our regional foray and we will continue to do this in the regions in the future,” she added.
Speaking with Guyana Times at her booth, Priya Nauth, the owner of Shivanie Garment Construction, said that while there remained a lot of challenges to women being part of the Private Sector, events such as “We Lift” provide them with more opportunities to be valued.
Glynis Drakes, the owner of “Tasty Things by Glynis”, a catering service for every occasion, which retails pastry items, could not stop gushing after she was one of the exhibitors to sell all of her products. Thanks to the expo, she has now widened her customer base.
“It takes time to prepare these pastries which include cheese rolls, cupcakes, cookies, cheese pie, and many more on the table – was very tiring. I do not regret the time and effort it take, because the expo was a great accomplishment for me, and I am 100 per cent sure that now people who do not know me and bought from me will now support my business. I am happy for this expo as it widens my customers,” she said.
In attendance were Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Regional Gender Affairs Committee Chairperson Verina Rasheed, Regional Commander Denise Griffith and Regional Executive Officer Susan Saywak. (G14)