As we celebrated “International Women’s Day 2013” I stood proud of the many achievements the women of Guyana have made to our country for decades.
Guyana’s rich history highlights the valuable contributions of our women, who in all spheres of life and in an array of professions have toiled and built a nation we can be proud of.
As far back as 1948 Kowsilla was killed while struggling for better wages. In the early 1950’s we remember that in the struggle for Universal Adult Suffrage the women of Guyana stood tall and were amongst the first to secure the right to vote in the Caribbean.
Our Women of Excellence then like Winifred Gaskin and Janet Jagan in these early days went on to form the Women’s Economic Organisation which later became the Women’s Progressive organization, promoting the development of women in our society and their empowerment.
Today we recognize the contributions of thousand of Guyanese women who toil for long hours, often at wage levels lower than their male counterparts to support their families and to build the numerous successful small businesses they operate today. They are the important caregivers who build our community and volunteer s members of numerous non governmental organisations which play an integral role in shaping our country.
Today we salute them all and recognize that despite these achievement there is much still to be done as Guyanese women face the scourge of rising domestic violence and the resulting loss of life which continues to impact adversely on our families. We must find urgent solutions to these issues as we move forward.
As we reflect on our progress we are justified in celebrating our women.
Few places in the world can boast a former female President, Vice President, Chief Justice and a Chancellor of the Judiciary who went on to become the first female Judge at the Caribbean Court of Justice!
With an array of competent female judges and magistrates, we are confident that the focus on socially conscious legislation will ensure higher moral and ethical standards.
Traditionally, women have a greater degree of tolerance and understanding which persists even in the most difficult of times. The ability to hold on to hope, to transcend political differences, to shape peace agreements and to do what is right for the greater good of our Nation are all the qualities we celebrate in our women today.
Now more than ever we recognize the important role Guyanese women must play as we seek to promote fairness, justice and compromise instead of perpetual conflict.
Let your voices be heard Ladies! Be proud. We have much to celebrate and still much more work to be done!
Cathy Hughes, M.P.
March 8, 2013
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