ENDING VIOLENCEAGAINST WOMEN

Apr 13, 2017 Editorial, Features / Columnists

To say that women in Guyana are under threat as never before is an understatement. All over the country, women are sexually and physically abused by men. Many are being murdered despite restraining orders from the court. Women are at the mercy of men who see them as objects rather than persons.
Some have even blamed themselves for being abused and assaulted by men. While many abuses, especially in the rural areas of the country are not reported to the police, there are laws in place to prevent such abuse but most are being snubbed by men who harbor the primitive belief that women are their property.
The time has come for all to work individually and collectively to effect change so that women can occupy their rightful places as equals in society. “Be Bold for Change” is the most appropriate theme of this year’s celebration of International Women’s Day given the threat under which women live and the discrimination they face in society.
Although several media reports tell horrendous stories of women being beaten and murdered in the sanctuary of their homes, yet many in society seem somewhat complacent. The most recent case is that of 29-year-old Dhanwattie Ram, the mother of three, who was strangled with a bed sheet at her Parika home.
Everyone has a duty to raise his voices and take action to demand a more inclusive society for women in which gender must never be a barrier to progress. Women make-up about half of the population in Guyana, yet they remain mired in a never-ending struggle for equity with their male counterparts in every facet of national life.
The World Economic Forum has predicted that the gender gap will remain wide open for decades to come and will not close entirely until 2186. But Guyana should not wait that long. In fact, one day is too long.
Although women have achieved near equality in terms of education, yet their participation in the political and economic systems is low. Only a few women are heads of companies and in terms of political participation, women have not been accorded the opportunity to become leaders of political parties.
Our male political leaders should do more than just appoint women to head sub-groups within the parties. The private sector is also guilty of not promoting gender equality. Its record revealed that opportunities for women are limited, as such, it has not narrowed the gender gap, which suggests that the concept of the glass ceiling is firmly intact.
However, the promotion of gender equality must involve a mixed bag of strategies that are critical to securing equal status for women in the country. It must start in the schools where teaching should be expanded beyond the study limited to the administrative organs of the State, how they function, or the narrative of nationhood.
Schools should place particular emphasis on the role of women in today’s society and in the country’s history. Civic studies in schools should also be based on the rights of women and gender equality.
Therefore, the onus to promote gender equality rests with educators who must widen the school curriculum to include the role and status of women and gender equality. Educators should also encourage explicit dialogue on the issue with students, both male and female.
While domestic violence against women is degrading, there are, however, other facets of our national life that are uplifting and noble, but may be overlooked in our pre-occupation with the negatives that sometimes threaten to drown out the positives. Whatever the case, we must end violence against women.

Latest News

ENDING VIOLENCEAGAINST WOMEN

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 31st, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Szeplaki wins LGC/ STP Investments Inc. Golf tournament

GBA Youth, Junior & Under-16 Boxing...

GBA recognises donation of Badminton gear to QC...

Exciting restart of the East Bank Football...

“Easily one of the worst decisions ever...

Harpy Eagles faces toughest challenge yet, as...

Features/Columnists

When silence speaks louder than words

The U.S. “Joining” the Commonwealth: an unreasonable expectation

What did Pres. Ali just do ?

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

ENDING VIOLENCEAGAINST WOMEN

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 31st, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]