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IN OBSERVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Mar 08, 2020 News

From the Guyana Women’s Lawyers Association

Today is International Women’s Day under the theme: “GENERATION EQUALITY: REALIZING WOMEN’S RIGHTS”, and the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers lauds all women in Guyana and our wider community.
“Women’s rights are human rights” and we all agreed that human rights ought to be observed for and by all.
Generation Equality therefore means that for this generation and all those to come; “equality” must be a common thread in all actions and words. In every respect, women must be treated in equal manner to men. Their status and stature are of no less importance than those for men. Their roles and contributions to all spheres of society’s functioning and life in general, ought not to in any way be diminished.
In terms of the law, and the provisions in Guyana’s Constitution and laws, the term “equality” should be naturally and seamlessly applied. There is a number of constitutional provisions and domestic laws that guarantee equality (Article 149E – Equality of Status and 149F – Equality for women), which are intended to ensure women’s rights. We are also reminded of provisions of the Equal Rights Act 1990. We must also be informed about Article 29 of the Constitution which provides for women’s participation in decision – making and section 11B (5) of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03 which was zealously fought for to ensure that a minimum of one – third (1/3) of the composition of representative lists for political parties comprise women, with a similar formula expected to be applied for representation in the National Assembly (Parliament).
Additionally, through constitutional amendment, there is the establishment and thereafter functioning of the Women and Gender Equality Commission (W&GEC) which is part of several human rights commissions intended to oversee the realization of women’s rights. At the same
time, the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was made a part of Guyana’s Constitution, thus solidifying this country’s obligations to realize the rights of women.
Previous generations fought for formal recognition of the principle that “women’s rights are human rights” and therefore equality for women and men. This generation MUST insist on tangible adherence to these principles and not accept tokenism. Therefore, women’s rights must be realized in all spheres: fair access to jobs and job opportunities; salaries and wages commensurate with duties and responsibilities only i.e. equal pay for work of equal value, membership on boards of directors in the public and private sector; and training opportunities in all areas of endeavour at the professional, technical or vocational levels, among others. In ensuring equality, there must not be any gender discrimination.
This is the time for women to “step up” even more, support and champion each other, be consistent in forthrightly and confidently saying that “WE are capable of doing and we must be allowed to do”. Importantly, we must ensure that girls are equally equipped to be “Generation Equality’.
It is time for a full realization of our rights. GAWL will do its part to ensure this. We urge the W&GEC and all women’s organizations to continue to do their part.
Generation Equality is NOW!
Let us, as women, challenge ourselves to realize our rights.
Happy International Women’s Day!

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