Caucus of female parliamentarians closer to reality

Mar 14, 2014 News

Parliament is several steps closer to establishing a caucus of female parliamentarians. Of the three Chief Whips written to make this a reality, two have already responded positively to the idea.

A section of the audience at the ceremony.

This development was revealed by Raphael Trotman, Speaker of the National Assembly, yesterday at a function held to honour women who have contributed significantly to the functioning of Parliament and by extension the country.
“I recently wrote the Chief Whips of the political parties, all of whom are women, reminding them of this outstanding milestone that waits to be attained, and as of yesterday (Wednesday), two have responded positively, that they are ready,” he said.
Trotman indicated that following approval by all the political parties, he will make arrangements for the convening of a meeting of female parliamentarians. However, he will withdraw himself from the process and leave the women to handle their own affairs.
“In fact, I am one who believes that in our present atmosphere of gridlock that women, seeing the issues that confront the nation differently, will do a better job at forging consensus and bridge-building, and should begin to position themselves not as appendages, but as originators of ideas and sources of solution to our myriad man-made problems,” he added.
Trotman made those comments at Parliament’s third International Women’s Day honouring ceremony, which is seemingly becoming an annual event. It was held at Duke Lodge, Kingston. The outstanding women honoured were: Eleanor Coddett, Pauline Sukhai, Philomena Sahoye-Shury, Shirley Edwards, and Deborah Backer, who was unable to uplift the award personally because of health issues. Her daughter, Natasha Backer, received the award on her behalf from Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.
He reflected that on March 8, Guyana joined the world in celebrating International Women’s Day under the theme “Inspiring Change”.
Trotman said, “The women being honoured today are not only being recognised for their long service, but just as importantly, because they have inspired change. I have worked with each of them and can say that I both respect and admire them immensely for their contribution to our nation…even those who are my political opponents.”
According to him, women have been making tremendous strides in the arena of politics and more importantly, in the promotion of good governance and democracy worldwide. And, Guyana, is no exception with efforts made by Janet Jagan, Jesse Burnham, and Jane Phillips-Gay as early as the 1940s and 1950s.

(From left) former PPP Parliamentarian Shirley Edwards; Minister of Amerindian Affairs and PPP Parliamentarian Pauline Sukhai; First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar; Philomena Sahoye-Shury; Natasha Backer; and Eleanor Coddett

The works of these former women leaders continue unbroken today by the women who straddle the political, socio-economic and ethnic divides to firmly establish their places in the firmament of the National Assembly, he said.
The Speaker boasted that Guyana’s Parliament comprises 34 percent female members. This gives it a commendable ranking of being 22nd in the world in terms of the ratio of women to men who are Members of Parliament.
“Despite our achievements, I don’t believe that day has fully come and that we should rest with a false sense of assurance that women’s place is cemented in the decision-making processes of our nation. There is much more work to be done,” Trotman said.
Dr. Nicole Giles, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana who delivered the feature address recognised Guyana’s strides in involving women in the decision-making process of the country. She pointed out that although women constitute half of the world’s population, in politics they occupy only 21 percent of Parliamentary seats worldwide. However, Guyana is a welcome exception, where the gender quota in the unicameral legislature is over 30 percent.
“Guyana deserves recognition for this accomplishment. Please join me in giving Guyana a round of applause”, Dr. Giles said.
She noted that in order to fully appreciate the accomplishments of those women being honoured today, it is perhaps useful to reflect on the particular challenges faced by women in politics.
“Women in politics worldwide face a double standard, with their lives being subject to greater scrutiny than those of men in equivalent positions. For example, women politicians often get asked by journalists how they will properly do their job as Minister or Premier while simultaneously raising children. Male politicians are rarely asked the same questions,” she explained.
According to Dr. Giles, “In an era where governments face a multitude of complex and competing challenges, it is imperative that we do not lose sight of the long-term strategies required to bring about gender equality and women’s empowerment.”
She noted that investments in women and girls are critical to the achievement of these goals, but are equally important to sustainable economic development and poverty reduction. These investments are undoubtedly essential to advancing the cause of women and are at the core of basic human rights. They include access to affordable health-care systems, enforcement of gender-based violence legislation, equal pay and the right to an education.
Some of the attendees at the function included First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar; APNU Chief Whip Amna Ally; Leader of the Opposition David Granger; and Leader of AFC Khemraj Ramjattan.