Guyana joins with the rest of the world today in observing International Women’s Day under the theme, “Generation Equality; Realizing Women’s Rights.”
Against this backdrop, the Guyana Association for Women’s Lawyers (GAWL) is calling for women to “step up”, even more, support and champion each other.
Most importantly, however, it said women must ensure that girls are equally equipped to be “Generation Equality” as it is time for a “full realization of our rights.”
GAWL lauds all women in Guyana and the wider community. It said, “Women’s rights are human rights” and we are all agreed that human rights ought to be observed
for and by all.”
It therefore said that Generation Equality means that for this generation and all those to come, “equality” must be a common thread in all actions and words.
“In every respect, women must be treated in
equal manner to men. Their status and stature are of no less importance than those for men.
Their roles and contributions to all spheres of society’s functioning and life in general, ought not to in any way be diminished.”
The Association pointed out that Guyana’s Constitution and laws guarantees equality. It referenced Article 149E – (Equality of Status) and 149F – (Equality for women), which are intended to ensure women’s rights.
According to GAWL, “We are also reminded of provisions of the Equal Rights Act 1990. We must also be informed about Article 29 of the Constitution which provides for women’s participation in decision – making.”
“And section 11B (5) of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03 which was zealously fought for to ensure that a minimum of one – third (1/3) of the composition of representative lists for political parties comprise women, with a similar formula expected to be applied for representation in the National Assembly (Parliament).”
It also said that constitutional amendment led to the establishing and functioning of the Women and Gender Equality Commission (W&GEC) which is part of several human rights commissions intended to oversee the realization of women’s rights.
At the same time, GAWL reminded that the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was made a part of Guyana’s Constitution, thus solidifying this country’s obligations to
realize the rights of women.
It added, “Pevious generations fought for formal recognition of the principle that “women’s rights are human rights” and therefore equality for women and men. This generation must insist on tangible adherence to these principles and not accept tokenism.”
Therefore, the Association noted that women’s rights must be realized in all spheres: fair access to jobs and job opportunities; salaries and wages commensurate with duties and responsibilities only i.e. equal pay for work of equal value, membership on boards of directors in the public and private sector; and training opportunities in all areas of endeavour at the professional, technical or vocational levels, among others.
“In ensuring equality, there must not be any gender discrimination. GAWL will do its part to ensure this. We urge the W&GEC and all women’s organizations to continue to do their part. Generation Equality is NOW!”
Let us, as women, challenge ourselves to realize our rights, GAWL urged.
