First lady hosts International Women’s Day walk in Georgetown

Mar 09, 2026 News

First Lady, Arya Ali

(Kaieteur News) – In observance of the 115th International Women’s Day, under the theme “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls,” the Office of the First Lady on Sunday hosted a walk in Georgetown.

The walk began at 06:30 hrs on Main Street in front of the Bank of Guyana and proceeded to the Kingston Seawall Esplanade, where a brief ceremony was held.

Thousands of women, supported by men, dressed in the symbolic colour purple, gathered to celebrate the strength, achievements, and contributions of women across the world. The event brought together participants from various sectors of society to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Following the walk, First Lady Arya Ali delivered remarks highlighting the vital role women play in society and the initiatives undertaken by the Office of the First Lady to support women and girls. These initiatives include assistance for women-led start-ups, the provision of sanitary pads, and housing support programmes.

The first lady also raised concerns about the number of women who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence.

“Victims like Shauna Dover and Kenisha Vaughn were mothers, daughters, sisters and friends whose futures were cut short, leaving behind not just grieving families but an entire nation,” she said.

She also referenced the recent tragedies of young girls Aleema Pretam and Tiana Chapman, who fell victim at the hands of men.

International Women’s Day 2026

Ali expressed hope that through stronger collaboration between the government and other organisations, as well as increased public awareness, Guyana could address domestic violence.

“Our aim is to break the toxic culture that undermines the dignity of our women and girls,” she said, while also calling for continued efforts toward gender equality.

Remarks were also delivered by Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who commended the large turnout.

“There is a sea of purple here reflecting the conscience of every person and the support of everyone for all the women here in Guyana,” she said, encouraging women to support each other and reminding them that they do not stand alone.

Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith also addressed the gathering, highlighting the prevalence of domestic violence against women and urging men to play a more supportive role. “We have a lot of work to do. As men, we ought to be protectors of our women,” he said. Griffith also reflected on the impact women have had in his own life. “I am extremely happy to be a part of this celebration. I couldn’t help but reflect on the impact my grandmothers, mother, aunt and sister have had on my life. There is no better way to pay homage to their work than by celebrating them and all the women out there. Women have shattered every glass ceiling that has been presented to them,” he said.

He also highlighted the contributions of women across Guyana, noting that many hold leadership roles in organisations and across various sectors. “In every sphere we have outstanding women,” he added.

Also delivering remarks was Ambassador of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Yang Yang, who extended greetings to women in Guyana.

“On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, I would like to extend warm greetings and wishes to all women. Across our two countries, women are gaining greater access to education and playing increasingly important roles in economic, cultural and social life. Moving forward, China and Guyana will continue to work side by side to end discrimination and help more women realise their dreams for a better life,” she said.

During the event, Cabinet Ministers and members of the diplomatic corps paid tribute to women who lost their lives to domestic violence by pinning their names on a board in their honour.

The event concluded with a Zumba session for participants.

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Arya Ali, First Lady, International Women’s Day, Women rights

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