“Women must see themselves as winners”- Min. Persaud

– at launch of Cove and John WIIN initiative

Minster of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud MP on Monday encouraged women to see themselves as winners, as they commence training under the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme.

During a simple launching held at Cove and John, the Minister said the programme will serve as a stepping stone for women.

“It is by no coincidence that we chose the acronym WIIN, because I want women to see themselves as winners, in our world. WIIN spells out innovation and investment and another critical word which is networking because it is envisaged that you will develop a strong network among yourselves, because each one of you will have your own dream, each one of you will have your own goal post that you are trying to attain and each one of you will have a deep-seated aspiration that through this first step, through WIIN you will use it to climb and attain greater heights”.

The online and in-person training programme has been made available to women 17 years and older, with no academic requirement. It has two components; Professional Care and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). 

The minister said WIIN aims to create a niche for women.

“We thought it out because we wanted to ensure whatever you are doing under this programme is accredited. So, it gives you the opportunity to be employed or as I hope to be the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”

Under the WIIN programme, the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI) received a quantity of desktop computers and will undergo total rehabilitation to equip women with the tools to be empowered.

Additionally, Minister Persaud encouraged women to create opportunities through small businesses. 

“The Government of Guyana is encouraging persons with small businesses to approach us as a Government so that you can have grants and funding. So, that these small businesses can become established and sustainable. So, it is not only about starting it is about ensuring that you can continue, you can build on what you have commenced” she said.

Participant, Tamiara Valladares expressed gratitude for the training.

“[I am] very excited to be a part of it. I am more into child care but I just want to explore this to see because it has different options and I really like being on the computer, but certain things I do not know so I am very excited to learn different things about the computer.” Persons who are interested in the annual programme could apply online on the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s website or Facebook page. Men are also invited to apply.