GWLI to be restored to cater for non-traditional training programmes

The Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI) located at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara, will be reestablished to cater for non-traditional training programmes targeting women, girls and single parents. 

Training will be available in areas such as Information Communication Technology (ICT), videography, video editing, interior design and catering.

“We are looking at non-traditional areas of employment but employment that is needed for developing a progressive Guyana. We are looking at all kind of areas that a new industry can be formed; we are looking at how we can come up with biodegradable products,” Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud told DPI in a recent interview. 

Additionally, participants will be trained in business management and marketing and be guided on how to access loans and grants from the Small Business Bureau and other lending agencies. They will also be sensitised on gender-based violence, women and gender equality and other social issues plaguing society. 

Minister Persaud said the Ministry has already engaged several entities on the initiative which will be done in 2021.  

The GWLI falls under the Ministry’s ambit and has a mandate to develop, promote, educates and support women and girls as leaders and decision-makers. This is to be done through education and training to facilitate equal access and full participation in leadership and decision-making processes within the Guyanese society.

Dr. Persaud said the Institute had not implemented any programme in years. 

“The Institute has been there for a very long time, and it has not been utilised. In fact, I don’t think in the last few years there were any programmes there. So, because I’ve had some engagements with the Institute, I understand how important it is to have that working,” the Minister said. 

The Human Services Minister recently installed a new GWLI board headed by Ms. Patricia Bacchus. The other members are Deputy Chairperson, Camille Deokie, Padmini Singh, Saudia Ferouz, Sarah Brown, Gina Arjoon, Roshan Khan Jnr., Marissa Scott, Louanna Abrams, Macaela Cameron and Asha Kissoon.

The initiative will complement the Ministry’s Garment and Accessories Cottage Industry initiative, where participants are trained in making masks and other items, functional business literacy, sustainable business and micro-enterprise. 

It also forms part of PPP/C government’s commitment to advancing the protection and promotion of women’s rights and gender equality through empowerment.