Objectifying women among concerns highlighted by GAWL

Mar 12, 2015 News

– as struggle for equality is amplified

Even as the struggle for equality continues, much work is yet to be done to eliminate the stereotypes, prejudices and practices which continue to pose a stumbling block to many girls and women who seek to have a voice and control their own lives. This deduction has been made by the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) as part of its effort to recognize women for International Women’s Day (IWD). IWD is celebrated annually on March 8.
Although belatedly, GAWL as part of its recognition of women expressed concern “about the discriminatory and stereotypical advertisements, some by leading companies in Guyana, which not only objectify women but also perpetuate sexist gender myths.”
Moreover, the Association has underscored that “we must, however, always remember the inequities that still need to be redressed.” The group also sought to point out that continued efforts to eliminate the scourge of gender-based violence, trafficking in women and girls, exploitation in the workplace through sexual harassment, or through being ill-treated by employers, including female ones, and/or being cheated out of rightfully earned wages while providing domestic services, must remain on the front-burner.
The issue of lack of sufficient support from the Police when reports of rape and other sexual offences are reported by a woman remains a burning one, GAWL has insisted.
“The promotion of the economic empowerment of women is also vital. Many women in Guyana find it difficult to support and sustain themselves and their families. Their economic vulnerability restricts their ability to be independent, to negotiate favourable working conditions, to access justice, proper medical care and education for themselves and children,” the Association has observed.
It went on to point out that as United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message for IWD, 2015 opined, “The world will never realize 100 per cent of its goals if 50 per cent of its people cannot realize their full potential. When we unleash the power of women, we can secure the future for all.”
The Association has therefore noted that while it recognises that much more needs to be done and urgently so, “we nevertheless encourage women to value the accomplishments and gains made so far, and not take them for granted.”
It was underscored by the Association too that women must also seek assistance to ensure that their rights are respected, even as it pointed out that they learn and know their rights. “The right to equal pay for work of equal value must be remembered at all times and demanded. Women must always bear in mind that while domestic violence can be physical, it is often also psychological or emotional. Women must also be wary of job offers to work in our hinterland especially,” GAWL noted.
It went on to remind women who are employers that exploitation of their fellow women folk is unacceptable and shameful, and this conduct must cease. Instead, women must be supportive of and be fair to each other, said GAWL as it added that “We women must at all times fight to uphold each other’s rights. We must also fight for the rights of our children and nurture and protect them as best we can. We must at all times demand the equality which our Constitution assures.”
Moreover, GAWL is urging that persons continue to be vigilant and supportive, even as efforts are made to celebrate the achievements in gender equality, the empowerment of women and their elevation politically, economically, socially, and culturally. “We salute the incredible women standing up and advocating for gender equality and applaud their demand that women be accorded their rights to participate in decision-making, to quality education, the freedom to make their own choices and to live their lives without fear, discrimination or violence.”

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Objectifying women among concerns highlighted by GAWL

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