There is still much to be done for women, especially in the areas of protecting them from violence and ensuring their economic empowerment, according to the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL).
In its message on the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, the GAWL saluted the women of Guyana on their myriad achievements over the years but noted that violence against women and girls in all its forms continues to be cause for great concern.
The group maintained that while awareness about the scourge has been raised, much more has to be done to educate and sensitise the public-at-large about the issue. “Families in particular must be made to understand that condoning violence against a loved one for the sake of the children, financial support and perceived social needs, can result in tragedy with the injury and even the loss of life of a wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin or niece,” the GAWL noted.
In addition, it called for safe havens to be provided for women as well as economic empowerment, especially to help those in harm’s way escape from the bonds of violent relationships. “Tangible help must be emphasised more in helping women to process their situation and determine options, since regrettably many still feel or are made to believe that the only viable option is to return to the abusive situation,” the GAWL pointed out.
Meanwhile, the association also expressed its concern over recent articles in the media concerning a reduction in gratuity to female nursing staff at the Linden Hospital Corporation when they proceed on maternity leave.
The GAWL said that if the reports are accurate, “this would amount to discrimination and would be a violation of the fundamental right in the constitution that prevents discrimination on the grounds of sex or gender.”
The GAWL argued further that “it would also violate the constitutional equality provision and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women as well as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, both of which seek to ensure that the welfare of women and children are secured.”
It said that the issue of the right of women to maternity leave has not been an issue that has been on the front burner of activism, at least not to the same degree as that of violence against women or to pregnant lactating mothers and other women who are the primary caregivers in our society. However, it added that with women “As the foundation providers and first nurturers of the nation’s people, there must be better and modern provisions regarding maternity leave and the benefits that should be accorded.”
Against this background, the GAWL renewed its call for paternity leave to be institutionalised in Guyana, as “we seek to promote better family relations and involve our men folk in the nurturing of our future generations.”
It further said that Guyana, as a signatory to binding international human rights conventions for women and children, and state entities in particular “must strive to appreciate, promote and uphold the provisions of these conventions.”
To this end, the GAWL called on the Women and Gender Equality Commission and the Rights of the Child Commis-sion to engage the Linden Hospital Corporation and any other entity that practices discrimination against women in any form to ensure that they desist from such discrimination.
