Messages on International Women’s Day 2025

For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment – WGEC

Women & Gender Equality Commission – Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Imagine!

Unfortunately, 114 years after International Women’s Day was first observed, the type of change women all over the world are clamouring for is yet to materialise. To have a perspective of the progress made, one must look at the statistics of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which asserts that women in decision-making accounted for only 26.9% in 2022 and a mere increase of 0.4% in 2023. In 1975, when the UN declared the Decade for Women, women accounted for 10.9% in leadership. Ten years later, only 1% to an average of 12% are women in political leadership. Imagine a mere 1% increase in a decade.

However, a few countries have done well. Cuba has more women in Parliament; whereas, in Nigeria, 3 out of 109 parliamentarians are women, while Oman has none. This tells the story of lip service and inaction.

It would be interesting to see how well governments around the world would honour their commitments to Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 5, by 2030. The collective efforts of millions of women around the world have shaped the Beijing Platform for Action, which provides a road map for governments, civil societies, NGOs, and international organizations. There is no shortage of ideas or resolution, ONLY the will to make the change. We are happy that Guyana has 39% of women in decision-making, and all the indicators in the social sectors are improving. As we observe another IWD, we are mindful of the challenges which we must overcome.

There is still too much violence in OUR society – physical, sexual, mental and psychological violence. Too many people are being hurt because the use of violence seems to be the first option.

Why? Why is violence the first option? Why are people so readily resorting to violence? Is it because people are intoxicated?

There are now many types of intoxicants in our society. We have the old alcoholic beverages, which we all know. There is marijuana. There is cocaine. Now there is an influx of synthetic drugs. Some are in the form of tablets, some in the form of gummies, some in the form of candy, and some are in the form of vapes.

What is clear is that we have a problem, and we all must deal with it. Each of us must play our role. Do not be violent to another person, whether in or out of the home. Help the person who is being abused. Let us work together to stop this violence now!

We call on the citizens of our country to raise their voices against the betting shops that are permeating communities, as well as those businesses and individuals who are bringing behaviour-altering substances such as those that are disguised as gummies and vapes into the lives of our young men and women.

We wish to remind our menfolk to provide leadership to their sons and daughters so that they do not fall prey to drug addiction and harmful social behaviours, which lead especially to gender-based violence.

Women constitute the foot soldiers in politics, and we must continuously remind our political leadership of the importance of that large percentage of voters. Women need to stand up, speak out, and mobilise to advance the rights of women and girls.
We need to create an enabling environment to promote gender equality through access to education, employment and decision-making.

We take this opportunity to call on our Government to ensure that the women acting in the positions of Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice are confirmed.
We call on all Guyanese to work unitedly for a better society for all.

Happy International Women’s Day.

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ERC champions women’s empowerment, calls for action to accelerate equality

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) proudly joins the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme: “Accelerate Action.” This day serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable contributions of women in shaping a society rooted in inclusion, peace, and respect.

Women have long been pioneers of cohesion and unity in Guyana. As leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and caregivers, their resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication continue to drive national progress and social harmony.

The Commission recognizes the indelible role of women in Guyana’s socio-economic advancement across all ethnic groups within each sector of society. The ERC firmly believes that creating an environment where women’s potential can fully blossom is essential for building a sustainable future and just society.

As advocates for change, the Commission urges all stakeholders to actively support this year’s theme by removing barriers and dismantling biases that hinder women’s progress.

Today, the ERC honours and celebrates all women whose remarkable efforts continue to propel the development of our country. Their exemplary leadership, resilience, and contributions serve as a beacon of inspiration, reaffirming the power of women when they are supported, empowered, and valued.

The Commission encourages women, of all ages, to continue to pursue their dreams, enhance personal skills and strive for academic excellence so that Guyana’s development can be equally impacted by their resourcefulness.

Happy International Women’s Day!

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GAWU advocates for equality and justice for women

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) extends its solidarity to women around the globe as we commemorate International Women’s Day. This significant occasion serves as a tribute to the remarkable achievements and contributions of women across all sectors while also reinforcing the ongoing pursuit of gender equality, justice, and empowerment.

As a union dedicated to enhancing the lives of workers in various industries, including agriculture, we acknowledge the pivotal role that women have played in labour movements, driving the quest for workers’ rights and effecting meaningful change within our communities. The involvement of women workers, particularly in the agricultural sector, has proven to be essential to our nation’s economic and social well-being.

On this day of recognition, GAWU brings attention to the considerable challenges that many women continue to confront in the workplace – issues such as unequal pay, gender-based discrimination, insufficient representation in leadership roles, and limited access to opportunities for professional development. While we celebrate the strides that have been made, we understand that there is still much work to be done to ensure that women are afforded the dignity and respect they deserve as both workers and individuals.

GAWU pays tribute to the strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication of the women who form the cornerstone of our workforce. We honour the sacrifices of women in agriculture, domestic work, healthcare, education, and numerous other sectors, often faced with difficult and challenging circumstances. Their determination and dedicated commitment to their families and communities inspire us all.

As we observe International Women’s Day 2025, GAWU reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the protection of women’s rights and addressing systemic inequalities. We earnestly call upon employers, government entities, and society as a whole to:

Take prompt measures to ensure equal pay for equal work.

Enhance support for women in the workforce, including flexible working conditions and equal opportunities for professional advancement.

Strengthen laws and policies aimed at addressing gender-based violence and discrimination.

Create opportunities for women to lead, excel, and influence decisions across all sectors of society.

On this International Women’s Day, GAWU pledges to continue its efforts to elevate women’s status in the workplace, empower them to reach their full potential and work toward a future where equality, respect, and opportunity are the inheritance of generations to come.

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WPO honours trailblazers, calls for continued empowerment of women

On this International Women’s Day, the Women’s Progressive Organisation joins women across Guyana and the world to celebrate women’s achievements, leadership and resilience. WPO recognises the legacy of all the women trailblazers in Guyana, especially its own founder Janet Jagan, who laid the foundation through activism for women’s education and political participation in society. The groundwork was laid for a more equitable society that challenged the social and political norms of society and paved the way for legislative and economic reforms that benefit women even today.

While women’s voices can be heard in every sphere of society and in governance, women must remain vigilant and work to overcome societal and cultural barriers that foster economic disparities.

The Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) celebrated International Women’s Day in Guyana for the first time in March of 1954. This was 43 years after March 8 was set aside in 1911, which is 72 years ago. The impact of the WPO in grassroot activism to national leadership is evident in all spheres of society, and in the last 7 decades, women broke every barrier in education and politics.

In 1953, women had no rights, owned no property, but were themselves considered the property of the dominant male in their lives. With universal adult suffrage in 1953, women voted without owning property and money and they elected 3 women and fifteen (15) men to the legislative council and Janet Jagan became the first female deputy speaker. This set the pace for more women to enter parliament, and the 2001 Constitution of Guyana mandates every political party contesting an election to have one-third of its candidates as women. Today, women make up 38.4% of the national assembly, which is more than 8 times that of 1953. Today, women can be found at all levels of decision-making and influence decisions that affect their lives and that of others.

The policies of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government continue to create conditions that empower women socially, politically and economically. For example, under the National Pathway Worker Programme, more than 75% of women are employed and have become financially independent. Under the GOAL scholarship, 72% of the beneficiaries are women and girls. GWLI which was established in December 1997, as an outcome of the Beijing Platform for Action, have trained almost 12,000 women between 2020 – 2024.  Of the 12,765 persons trained by the Board of Industrial Training, 60% were women.   Society has evolved to allow women to become proud homeowners. Of the 40,290 housing lots and over 2,000 homes built, 46% of housing lots were allocated to women.

Walking long distances to fetch water is a thing of the past. Almost 98% of Guyanese have access to potable water. This allows women to spend more time with families, to study under GOAL scholarship or to work and become financially independent.

On this International Women’s Day, the WPO pays tribute to all the outstanding women who were the torch bearers in the struggle for women’s empowerment and social justice. It wishes to recognise all the phenomenal women of today who advocate for women’s socio-economic empowerment.

The WPO would like to thank the People’s Progressive Party/Civic for creating pathways for women to advance in every aspect of life, which is supported by ample legislation to protect self and others.

The WPO wishes every woman A Happy International Women’s Day 2025 and urges all to continue to work towards equality, equity and social justice.

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International Women’s Day is not just a celebration; it is a call for action – AFC

The Alliance For Change (AFC) extends warm greetings to all women across Guyana as we
observe International Women’s Day 2025. Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and
achievements of our women in every sector of society—from our homes and schools to
businesses, healthcare, agriculture, and beyond. While we honor these contributions, we also take this moment to highlight the urgent issues still facing women and girls in Guyana.

During our weekly press conference, AFC leaders and Members of Parliament underscored
several critical areas requiring immediate attention, including gender-based violence, economic empowerment, access to education, and support for vulnerable populations, including special needs citizens.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence: Gender-based violence continues to plague our society, with 1,537 incidents of domestic abuse per 100,000 people recorded in 2024. The government has set a target to reduce this number to 1,383 in 2025, but the AFC strongly believes that no woman should be placed at risk due to weak policies and ineffective enforcement. We call for stronger legal frameworks, enhanced survivor support services, and nationwide public awareness campaigns to shift cultural attitudes towards domestic violence.

“Achieving lower rates of gender-based violence requires collaboration between government, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders,” stated AFC Member of Parliament Juretha Fernandes. “We need practical solutions, not just policies on paper.”

Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender-Sensitive National Planning: Women remain at a disadvantage in accessing financial opportunities, particularly in small business development. The AFC has long advocated for a Women’s Bank, a proposal aimed at
ensuring women have the necessary financial tools to grow and sustain businesses.

MP Cathy Hughes also emphasized the need for gender-sensitive national planning, stating,
“Gender issues and women’s issues must not be an addendum to national planning.” The AFC calls for gender mainstreaming in every aspect of national development, including eduction, healthcare, economic policies, and job creation strategies.

Support for Special Needs Women and Girls: Special needs citizens, including women and girls with disabilities, continue to face barriers in accessing financial support and government assistance. MP Valarie Lowe denounced the challenges they endure, describing the process of receiving financial aid as a “bureaucratic nightmare.”

The AFC urges the Ministry of Human Services, the National Disability Commission, and the
Ministry of Finance to streamline financial assistance for persons with disabilities, ensuring
accessible, dignified, and efficient services.

A Call to Action: As we observe International Women’s Day, the AFC reaffirms its commitment to fighting for equality, justice, and economic empowerment for all women in Guyana. We call on the government, civil society, and every citizen to work collectively towards building a Guyana where women are safe, economically independent, and empowered to lead in all sectors of society.

This is not just a day of celebration—it is a call for action. We must work together to end gender-based violence, expand women’s economic opportunities, and ensure the voices of all women—regardless of income, location, or ability—are heard and respected.

Happy International Women’s Day to all the women of Guyana!

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Guyana’s Geneva Mission urges global action on gender equality, denounces injustice against women

The Permanent Mission of Guyana, Geneva joins other Member States in observing International Women’s Day (IDW) 2025 on March 8. Under the theme, “Accelerate Action”. Embedded in the theme are calls for accelerated advancements in gender equality and recognizing strategies and tools that drive women’s progress in education, employment and leadership.

This year, as Guyanese celebrate IWD, we pause to recognize and denounce the horrific conditions that women and girls and other citizens continue to experience in Gaza and in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), while the world looks on helpless or unwilling to help.

While highlighting the horrific situation in the OPT, we are also conscious that women and girls continue to be disproportionately affected in other conflict situations, such as in Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine, the Sudan and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In Guyana, much progress has been made in achieving equal rights for women and girls. The Government of Guyana continues to prioritize investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and housing. In fact, women, including youths and those of indigenous communities are increasingly trained in entrepreneurial and technical skills.

In the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report, Guyana is ranked 35th, moving up from 53rd in 2021. In the LAC, Guyana is ranked #6.

Thirty-nine percent of the Members of the Parliament, 36% of the cabinet and 34% of the Permanent Secretaries, the most senior of the public servants in Guyana, are women. In the world, Guyana is ranked 25th for women MPs and 34th for women in cabinet. More than 70% of the judiciary are women, the highest in the Western hemisphere.

Our Mission in Geneva continues to recognize Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as a major social justice and developmental challenge in Guyana. WE commend the GoG on enacting the Family Violence Act 2024, which repealed the Domestic Violence Act 1996, strengthening and proving more safeguards against domestic violence.

We urge that the Ministry of Human Services work with other agencies to convene in 2025 a National Dialogue on Gender-Based Violence and to have an annual report card on GBV.

As we celebrate this important occasion and to commemorate the progress made, it is timely to recall Beijing Plus 30. From a national perspective and from a global perspective, Beijing 1995 remains a milestone, a modern revolution for women’s rights and for gender equality. There cannot be any doubt that Guyana and the world have made significant advancements in reducing the gap in terms of gender inequality.

Since 1995, following the Beijing Conference, we have seen:

• For 89 per cent of governments, ending violence against women is a top priority today, and 193 countries have legal measures against it.

• Data shows that countries with domestic violence laws have seen less cases of violence against women.

• Most of the world has reached parity in education. By bridging the gender gap in accessing and shaping science and technology, we clear the remaining bottlenecks to equal opportunities and create technology that serves more people and the planet.

• More States have strengthened care services and 32 per cent of countries globally now promote better pay and safe working conditions for care workers.

• There are 112 countries with a national plan to engage women in peace and security processes – a significant increase from 19 countries in 2010.

But there continues to be an unacceptable level of inequality between men and women, between girls and boys in the world. Note the following:

• 47,000 women and girls were killed by their male partners or family members in 2020 – and those are only the deaths we know about

• 47 countries still have no repercussions for husbands who rape their wife
• 2.7 billion women are legally restricted from having the same choice of jobs as men
• 20% is the size of gender gap pay globally
• 45 countries do not have specific laws against domestic violence
• 30% of women globally have experienced sexual or physical violence in their lifetime

The Geneva Mission for Guyana will continue to work with partners to ensure equality for women and girls in Guyana and around the world. The time is overdue. Let us ensure that a new Beijing 1995 begins now.