WPO condemns upsurge in harassment of professional women

… celebrates 64th anniversary

On Saturday, the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) celebrated its 64th anniversary and in reflecting on its journey and current affairs of the country, denounced the upsurge in political harassment and psychological abuse of women.

According to the women’s arm of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the Party during its tenure had obtained an “impressive” record on the development of women’s rights.

It noted that following the 1992 elections, which placed the Party in power, the opportunity to accelerate developments in all areas of women’s empowerment became a reality for all women. These included numerous initiatives of Government; such as legislation, policies and programmes, signing of conventions and international commitments.

However, the WPO in a statement on Saturday outlined that this trend has been diminished upon the arrival of the coalition Administration into office.

“Ever since the [A Partnership for National Unity] APNU/coalition came into office they have embarked on a programme of witch-hunting and ethnic exclusion. What is distressing to note is that the majority of those who are being removed and replaced are Indo Guyanese, including a number of women. Indian women have been ridiculed over the years for being passive and invisible and when for the first time they have an opportunity to shine, they are being singled out and discriminated against.”

The WPO posited that all women, including Indo-Guyanese, must have the opportunity to grow and contribute to Guyana’s national development. To this end, the body urged that Guyanese women speak out against any victimisation.

“We use this occasion to call on all women to stand firm and let their voices be heard. We must use the available means and methods to expose all the harassment and exclusion of our women.”

The organisation went on to condemn the harassment of professional women, especially the most recent action against Deeds Registrar Azeena Baksh, which the it said smacks of political harassment and psychological abuse.

Baksh was charged and placed before the courts last week over an alleged misappropriation of $4.5 million. The issue reportedly stems from a dispute of whether or not she is qualified for gratuity, which she received payments for, since she was employed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The 33-year-old pregnant woman is currently on $250,000 bail as the matter continued in court.

Nevertheless, the WPO is using this opportunity to reflect on all the contributions that led to the growth and development of the organisation, while calling on more proactive actions to further the push women’s rights issues.

Formation

Before the WPO’s formation in 1953, its forerunner, the Women’s Political and Economic Organisation (WPEO) formed in July 1946, came into being long before the formation of a political party in this country.

The rationale for such a formation became necessary because of the poor conditions women were living under and the absence of basic rights for them.