The University of Guyana recently launched a robust gender policy aimed at ensuring all staff, students and external stakeholders, irrespective of gender, have equal rights, responsibilities and development opportunities at the University.
In launching the policy, the University was keen to note that it is committed to the implementation of sustainable strategies and programmes toward the advancement and implementation of equity, equality, non-discrimination and diversity among all staff and students and with its external stakeholders.
The creation of the policy was supported by the University’s local and international development partners – the European Union (EU), UNICEF, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC).
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Prof Paloma Mohamed noted that the institution was very proud to be leading the way in ensuring that a carefully-designed policy was written and noted that a strong institutional framework is in place to ensure it is effectively and fully implemented. The VC explained that a rigorous process was followed by the University before the policy became final. “The university’s procedures are quite rigorous, going through four committees whenever a policy is to be made,” she noted.
The VC further explained that the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy, a Mental Wellness Policy and an Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Policy will also complement the Gender Policy. She thanked the EU, UNICEF, UNDP and the Women and Gender Equality Commission for their support in ensuring the policy was finalised.
UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana, Ms Yesim Oruca in her remarks noted that the Gender Policy is as a result of previous collaborations and partnerships between the UN, EU and the University. Ms Oruca said: “This product stands alongside other related outputs developed through various Pillars of the Spotlight Initiative in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, the Private Sector and other key stakeholders.”
The Resident Coordinator added: “I encourage the University of Guyana to quickly and fully implement the Gender Policy being launched today. A policy on paper is a remarkable product which is the culmination of the countless efforts of countless people. But even better than a policy on paper, is a policy in action – one that is so inextricably woven into the fabric of campus life that it becomes a defining characteristic.”
Director of the Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security and the Future, Mrs. Debbie Hopkinson, said that the policy provides the guidelines on the actions that are critical to ensure continued efforts are made towards gender equality and empowerment.
Head of UG’s Institute of Gender Studies, Dr Lisa Edwards, whose Unit will play a major role in the implementation of the policy noted that gender is one notion that cannot be ignored if we are committed to promoting the wellbeing of people. She further highlighted the policy sets a strong foundation for stakeholders to work together on achieving the objectives laid out in the document.
