Grassroots women demand accountability from women parliamentarians

Mar 17, 2012 News

While some women across Guyana celebrated “International Women’s Day” at

One of the protesters

home two Thursday’s ago, some chose to observe the day on Thursday last by letting their voices be heard in front of Parliament Building.
Women from all parts of Guyana held up placards demanding a budget that caters for the needs and interests of poor women and their families, starting with those who have the least.
Many are of the impression that the government has turned a “blind eye” on the poor people, especially women.
According to a statement issued by Red Thread, the body that organised the protest, the women parliamentarians have forgotten their background.
“The problem is that the women in Parliament account to their parties, not to all the women outside. And what do the parties offer us? So far, empty promises made during the election campaign to get our votes. We have had enough. We demand better.”
“In the three months since parliament first convened, it has met only three times, and neither the government nor the opposition has made any attempt to properly explain to the grassroots people what they are doing.”
Some of the placards read “Women’s unwaged and low- waged work is the backbone of the economy”; “Find money to pay livable wages from waste, corruption super salaries, VAT profit”, “House work is hard work which must be recognised and valued”.