Gov’t creating balance for women, girls’ representation

 – Minister Todd tells Region 10 women’s group

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Hugh Todd says the Government is committed to creating a gender balance, which will ensure Guyanese women are adequately represented and girls fully educated.

During a visit to Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Thursday, Minister Todd met a women’s group in Coomacka, where he revealed the Government’s plan for Guyanese women.

He said women empowerment, participation and representation, as well as girls’ education is top of the agenda.

The priority is also partly in pursuit of Goal Five of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which seeks equal rights and opportunities for women and girls everywhere.

“We are also committed to ensuring that the rights of women and girls are well represented. This is a global initiative under the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, where women are given equal opportunities and girls quality education,” Minister Todd told the women.

He said for too long women have been lagging behind on the social and leadership ladders. A look at the PPP/C Cabinet, Minister Todd said, reveals that the Government is on the right track, regarding women at the leadership level.

He said the Government values women’s contribution and will be focusing heavily on stamping out abuse of especially vulnerable women.

“That is happening also in different fields and organisations within the Government. You have a lot of representation. We are giving attention to women empowerment, ensuring that girls are educated and ensuring that there are equal opportunities for women,” Minister Todd relayed.

Addressing the 2021 national budget, Minister Todd said incentives have been made available for women empowerment. These include workshops, small grants and training to ensure the creation of small businesses. The Minister added that the Government will work towards satisfying the needs of one of its more precious human resources.