We must make gender equality part of all policy making – Minister Amna Ally 

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, May 16, 2019

“I believe it is time for us to stop with words and start taking actions. We must make gender equality a part of all policy making,” was the bold declaration of Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally.

“Equality and human rights are still necessary, despite many reports of change and attitude on the parts of governments, religious and other institutions it is still necessary,” Minister Ally reinforced.

The ranking minister who is also the government’s Chief Whip made this declaration today at the Women and Gender Equality Commission workshop at Parliament Buildings.

Minister Ally also made the potent connection between gender equality and social equality.

She encouraged the women present to use their influence to ensure that adequate resources are allocated to implement policies for gender quality since she sees it as the engine to drive social equality.

UNESCO’s National Commission Secretary General, Patrice La Fleur warned that discrimination based on gender equality is a significant barrier to achieving the much touted United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Women and Gender Commission is one of the four commissions for the promotion and enhancement of Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law that was established under the Constitution.

The workshop aims to promote women’s rights as human rights, a position popularized by former United States Secretary of State and First Lady, Hillary Clinton.

The Gender and Development workshop also seeks to promote gender considerations in all policy-making in Guyana. Several other women Members of Parliament were engaged in the workshop, including Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Annette Ferguson, Minister with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Valerie Adams-Yearwood.

Alleya Hamilton.

Image: Tejpaul Bridgemohan.