Minister of Human Services Priya Manickchand said Guyanese women should reflect on and emulate the work of those who have struggled for their rights.
Manickchand made the call in her address last week at the unveiling of a billboard portrait of Kowsilla, at the Leonora market, West Coast Demerara, as part of national celebrations for International Women’s Day. “We appreciate the efforts of women who came before us, like Kowsilla, who, had it not been for their struggles, we would not have been enjoying many of the things we take for granted today,” she said. “We must ensure that their struggles don’t go in vain.
We must also resolve to resist oppressors and oppression in any form and teach our children that as well,” she added.
According to a Govern-ment Information Agency (GINA) press release, the portrait is the third to be mounted.
The other two portraits are of Winifred Gaskin and Dr Desrey Fox. GINA said Kowsilla, a mother of four and the sole breadwinner of her family, was an executive of the Leonora branch of the Women’s Progressive Organ-isation. She was killed on March 6, 1964 while protesting for fair wages for work. Her body was severed when estate scab Felix Ross drove a tractor over her. He was later acquitted.
Manickchand also paid tribute on Friday to the legacy of Winifred Gaskin, whom she said was a woman of many talents and strengths. She was speaking at the unveiling of the billboard in Gaskin’s honour at Public Road, Buxton. Gaskin was a teacher, journalist, mother, politician, diplomat and Minister of Education.
