Grassroots women in this country largely understand what the word equality means and some readily identify with the struggle tied to it, but the issues which many prefer to talk about include access to clean water, cheap electricity and feeling less vulnerable to domestic violence.
A considerable number of women are interested in how their children are doing in school and whether they can make the little cash in hand stretch far enough to prepare the next meal. They are concerned about bills and how to clear them. They crave a sense of security on all levels – food, financial, emotional y and in a relationship. For many of these women in Guyana, life is a daily struggle.
The El Nino situation in the country and how it has affected families is something women have more answers to and a quick conversation with any mother would reveal how much women are worrying about what time the water is likely to be flowing from the taps. These are the issues which are relevant and as women across the world celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, grassroots Guyanese women were speaking out on them.
“Domestic violence is not right!”, a petite, middle-aged woman declared during the recent Women’s Rally/Speak out organized by Red Thread and the Grassroots Women Across Race Organization at Mahdia. The woman, obviously troubled by what is happening in her community, called on women in Region Eight and by extension Guyanese women to “wake up” and bring an end to domestic violence. She spoke of how some women in several Region Eight communities are being abused on a continuous basis and are afraid to take action.
With microphone in hand and a strong message, the woman commanded the attention of those who turned out to support the women’s rally. As she spoke, an eerie silence briefly filled the benab at Campbelltown, Region Eight where the women gathered to have a conversation. She rapped the audience for about five minutes on the issue of domestic violence saying women in those communities with little access to outside help need to reject abuse as their level of awareness increases.
The woman’s outspoken approach to the issue of domestic violence appeared to have electrified the otherwise timid gathering and within minutes of her sitting down the room was abuzz with issues. Women were apparently afraid to be “the first one to speak”, according to one participant, but that suddenly changed.
One of the women in the audience identified herself as a victim of domestic abuse “for years and even now”. She mentioned a cycle of trying to run and running back until the decision to “stay put” overwhelmed her.
No one in the room attempted to judge her and she was allowed to offer words of encouragement to women in her position. “I went out and got a job and now am more empowered,” she declared.
It was her declaration of seeking paid employment which some women had issues with given that grassroots movement here have been campaigning for recognition and payment of caring work. Women present at the Speak Out, led by Andaiye of Red Thread, reiterated this point saying work being done around the home must be valued.
“When mothers stop, everything stops”, a woman shouted from behind the benab and the agreement was unanimous. The women were firm on the position that caring work is as important as any other and they repeatedly called on the administration to invest in caring and not “killing”. Andaiye offered a context for the chant, “Invest in caring not killing”, saying that money spent to purchase guns in a state could be channelled into other areas focused on women’s development.
Shortly after this, women were lining up to share their problems and they ranged from electricity and water bills to a lack of water in communities. The electricity problem is a major issue in Region Eight where power is rationed at Mahdia by a private businessman at a price very few could afford. Other communities bordering Mahdia survive without power.
“We’re frustrated because light and water are important things,” a woman said and she continued by pointing out that the issues are becoming unbearable. Some women explained that mothers in their communities are forced to work under those conditions and complete the same chores like any other woman with access to electricity and water.
Critical too, was the issue of education and how children in those areas are coping with the limited opportunities they are.
This issue evoked all manner of emotions among the women, one was openly annoyed as spoke about her son and how he is being victimized at school because she is vocal at meetings. The women pointed out that a school has been built at Mahdia and is yet to be adequately staffed.
Regional Chairman, Senor Bell was present at the rally and the women called him out on many of the issues including water and electricity. He stood up and offered a few comments on projects in the pipeline, which are going to alleviate their suffering, but it was not good enough. “Say something better, come again”, the woman charged and Bell was forced to give up a second time to explain how soon water could be accessible in some areas. He also announced that plans are in the works to have stable power at Mahdia by September this year.
Earlier in the day, the women marched around Mahdia for a rally, which was aimed at raising awareness about issues affecting mothers. They managed to get one male to join the rally and ended the march with the numbers they started with excluding the male addition. Some had hoped other women sitting at shops and at the roadside along the route would have joined the march, but that did not happen.
Still, those who marched saw it as an important exercise and one which women in every village across the country need to get involved in as the struggle for women’s rights continues.
