Canada today joined the chorus of critics of Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran’s verbal assault on rights activist Sherlina Nageer.
Despite the outpouring of condemnation, the government has not sacked Ramsaran neither has he resigned.
The High Commission’s statement follows:
Statement from the High Commission of Canada on the Minister of Health’s comments to women’s rights activist Sherlina Nageer
The High Commission of Canada noted with great disappointment the comments made by Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsarran to women’s rights activist Sherlina Nageer. The remarks uttered are disturbing and the High Commission of Canada condemns any form of abuse, including verbal and threatened, towards women. Threats of violence against women are never acceptable.
The struggle to fully attain women’s rights, in Guyana and around the world, is an ongoing battle that must be won. Such incidents weaken the progress that has been made. Global statistics produced by the UN, reinforce the need to strengthen women’s rights:
- 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence;
- more than one in three girls alive today were married before the age of 15;
- women still account for two thirds of the world’s illiterate population; and
- in the realm of politics, although women constitute just about half of the world’s population, they occupy only 22 percent of Parliamentary seats worldwide.
All partners should be unwaveringly committed to advancing the rights of women. Political leaders have a special responsibility because they have the largest platforms, influence and decision-making ability. The High Commission of Canada hopes that leaders recognise the critical role they play in governance, including providing leadership and empowering the citizens of Guyana, including women.
The empowerment of women and girls is a priority for the Government of Canada and we remain steadfast in our defense of their rights, both in Canada and abroad.
