Latest update April 9th, 2025 12:59 AM
EU tangibly empowering women locally
The European Union is currently funding about 200 projects and initiatives around the world to help women benefit from education, healthcare, to work and live free from violence and discrimination and to assume their rightful place in society.
For years, Guyanese women have benefited from the generous contributions of the European Union (EU) through collaboration with Government and civil society. This is according to EU Ambassador Robert Kopecký on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2014.
The Ambassador said that the EU remains committed to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. The rights of all women and girls are a universal priority for the EU and this is reflected in the current discussions on the post-2015 framework for poverty eradication and sustainable development.
Ambassador Robert Kopecký with female staffers at the EU Delegation in Guyana
In Guyana, the EU is working closely with the Government and civil society to promote gender equality and the rights of women through programmes such as the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights and the Non State Actors/Local Authorities instrument.
Kopecký stated that these instruments help to empower women, combat domestic abuse and end gender discrimination by funding projects with local partners such as Help & Shelter, AGAPE, ChildLink, Merundoi and the Mangrove Reserve Women Agriculture Producers (an association comprised entirely of women entrepreneurs).
He related that these collaborative efforts between the EU and local organisations are resulting in the empowerment of Guyanese women. The EU also remains committed to cooperating closely with the Government of Guyana in implementing international resolutions condemning violence and discrimination against women on all fronts.
“Where women prosper, societies prosper; where women suffer, so do the societies they live in. I have had the privilege of meeting many inspiring women who through their hard work and sacrifices have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries. Today I pay tribute to these women, whose courage and determination pave the way for future generations,” Kopecký said.
Echoing remarks by Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, he stated “today (yesterday), on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the real transformation the world has witnessed in women’s rights, thanks both to individual achievements and our common participation in political life.
Women have made great advances, but there is still a long way to go to achieve a world free from gender-based discrimination. Equal access to education and health services and the chance to become a full participant in political life is everyone’s right and an essential ingredient of democracy. Long-term stability and development can only be achieved if violence and discrimination against women are addressed.”
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