Violence against women a national crisis – Minister Benn

…calls for collective action

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has declared that any violence against women is a national crisis and must be treated as an urgent matter.
“Violence against women, discrimination in the workplace, and the trafficking of women and girls are not just women’s issues; they are national crises that require urgent collective action,” he declared while speaking at the Zijin AGM Inc’s International Women’s Day Conference, held at the Royal International Hotel and Mall on Friday under the theme “Accelerate Action”

This conference featured robust discussions on critical challenges, such as human trafficking, domestic violence, and the under-representation of women in leadership roles and male-dominated fields such as mining, engineering, and STEM.
Stressed that true progress hinges on transforming male behaviours and societal norms, Benn explained, “For real change (to occur), it is the behaviour and mindset of society, especially (among) men, that must evolve; not the women,” he asserted.
There is growing concern about the high rates of gender-based violence and femicide in Guyana, and Minister Benn has committed the Home Affairs Ministry to supporting survivors and fostering a safer environment for women.

“Too many women in our society live in fear, facing aggression and disrespect daily. Our goal is to create a safer Guyana, one where women are respected, empowered, and protected,” he has said.
Emphasising the importance of breaking barriers in order to ensure women are empowered to thrive across all areas of life, Minister Benn urged, “When women succeed, the entire country prospers.

We must open doors, shatter glass ceilings, and guarantee that women and girls can pursue careers and opportunities free from fear, harassment, or limitations.”
Further, Minister Benn has highlighted the urgent need to increase female representation in traditionally male-dominated fields. According to him, Guyana needs more women in boardrooms, leadership positions, and industries like mining and geology. He expressed the belief that representation matters, and said it begins with education and opportunity. He has thus
called for sustained systemic change to achieve genuine gender equality.
“Empowering women is not optional, it is essential if we want to build a safer, fairer, and more prosperous Guyana,” he declared. “A society that respects, protects and empowers its women is stronger, safer, and more prosperous.”