In a society where traditional gender roles often dictate career choices, it is inspiring to see women in Guyana breaking through barriers and thriving in male-dominated fields. A prime example of this shift is the recent assignment of two young women, Divia Ragabier and Danita Chattergoon, as operators of mini-excavators for the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA/ADA). These women are not just entering the workforce; they are challenging norms and demonstrating that women can excel in roles traditionally reserved for men.
The assignment of these women to operate heavy-duty machinery is part of a larger initiative by the Guyana Government to invest in agricultural infrastructure. The recent handover of two mini-excavators valued at $47 million by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha is a testament to the country’s focus on modernisation and efficiency in the agricultural sector. However, the true significance of this event lies in the empowerment of women like Ragabier and Chattergoon, who have been trained under the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) programme.
Historically, fields such as agriculture, construction, and heavy-duty machinery operations have been male-dominated. For years, women faced social barriers and preconceived notions that kept them away from such roles. But as Ragabier and Chattergoon show, times are changing. Their achievements underscore how women, given the right opportunities and training, can excel in any field, even those typically seen as the domain of men.
The BIT programme, which oversees vocational and technical education in Guyana, has been instrumental in this transformation. By offering training and certification in areas like heavy-duty machine operation, the BIT programme is equipping women with the skills they need to compete and thrive. These efforts align with Guyana’s national development goals, ensuring a skilled workforce that is capable of driving economic growth while promoting gender equality in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
For Ragabier, the opportunity to become a heavy-duty machinery operator is not just a job but a personal milestone. Inspired by her father and grandfather, who were also machine operators, she is proud to continue the family tradition and pursue a career she has always dreamed of. Despite only completing half of the six-month course, she already recognises the independence and empowerment that come with such a role. Her story is one of determination, proving that passion and hard work can lead to success, regardless of gender.
Chattergoon’s journey is equally remarkable. Having already worked with the MMA, she joined the BIT programme to formally qualify as a heavy-duty machine operator. She views her position not only as a personal achievement but as a platform to encourage other women to enter male-dominated fields. Her message to young women is clear: “Once you make that first step, nothing is beyond you.” She embodies the spirit of perseverance and encourages women to push past societal limitations, pursue their goals, and believe that they, too, can succeed in any career.
The involvement of women in these roles does more than just create job opportunities. It challenges outdated perceptions about what women can or cannot do. It shows that women are just as capable of handling the technical demands of operating machinery and contributing to large-scale infrastructural projects. This shift is significant for a country like Guyana, where agriculture and construction are critical to economic development. By empowering women to take on such roles, the BIT programme is helping to build a more inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity and potential of the nation.
In a broader context, the success of Ragabier and Chattergoon highlights the importance of vocational and technical training for women. As industries evolve and new opportunities emerge, women must be at the forefront, equipped with the skills to seize those opportunities. The BIT programme’s focus on practical training and apprenticeship not only enhances employability but also contributes to national progress by fostering a more diverse and inclusive economy.
As these women take control of the mini-excavators and begin their work in residential areas of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), they stand as living examples of what is possible when barriers are broken and opportunities are made available. Their stories will inspire a new generation of women in Guyana to pursue careers that once seemed out of reach. With the continued support of programmes like BIT, there is no doubt that more women will follow in their footsteps, creating a future where gender no longer limits potential.
These women are proving that they have the skills, determination, and drive to succeed in any field.
