Education Ministry celebrates women

Mar 06, 2015 News

More than a hundred “phenomenal women” were celebrated yesterday as the Ministry of Education held a lunch in observance of International Women’s Day.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand celebrating the International Women’s Day-related activity with participants.

The Gravity Lounge was closed off to the general public yesterday as women, mostly from within the ministry, turned out to be honoured.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand emphasised the importance of celebrating the day, particularly in a country such as Guyana.
“It’s very important for the world to stop and recognize the importance of women and to celebrate that value even as we resolve to do everything we can to bring about greater equality,” Manickchand said.
According to Manickchand, it was necessary for the women of Guyana to be celebrated as their development could affect the overall development of the nation.
“If we don’t get all that we can out of the 50% of women in Guyana, then we’re slowing down our nation’s development. If we slow down the nation’s development, everyone will suffer; women, children, everybody. It’s important that we celebrate where we are, but that we pause to recognize that there’s work to be done and commit to doing work to bring about greater equality,

A section of the gathering having a laugh during yesterday’s proceedings.

because equality of the genders will bring about good for all of Guyana,” Manickchand opined.
She also noted that inequality was a major contributor to domestic violence.
“In most countries, domestic violence is a big issue and that is because at the root of domestic violence, there is prevailing inequality. Because you have inequality and power issues, you will have things like domestic violence happening. It’s very important for countries all over the world, and Guyana too, to recognize these issues as issues that need addressing and March 8 [International Women’s Day] gives us a good opportunity to stop and recognize that women are worth far more than they are recognized for,” she said.
Furthermore, Manickchand advised women to take care of themselves and ensure their wellbeing. She opined that women had huge roles to play, from a caretaker, to a partner, to a teacher and a friend. She said too much of women’s time was spent on taking care of others.
“I think it’s important for women to give time every week to look after yourselves…because if you’re not whole and if you’re not healthy, the people that you want to serve will not get the best of you. So I urge all women to remember that you’re beautiful, celebrate that beauty, and preserve that beauty,” Manickchand said.
Along with the education minister, Prime Ministerial candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Elisabeth Harper and head of the Public Service Ministry Jennifer Westford were also present yesterday to celebrate.
The event was a celebration of Guyanese women, regardless of their races, religion, or even sexuality. Those who attended were privy to song, dance, poetry and a skit celebrating womanhood. Minister Manickchand also pampered her guests and ensured everyone was attended to before settling down.
The event was the third to be held by the Ministry of Education. International Women’s Day will be officially celebrated this Sunday.