Approximately 30 women from villages of Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) have benefitted from a training and awareness program conducted by the Ministry of Human Services’ Gender Affairs Bureau (GAB) through the Regional Gender Affairs Committee (RGAC).
According to a press release issued by the Ministry, participants also raised their own concerns which included escalating teenage pregnancies, unemployment due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and the need for recreational facilities, especially to cater for youths, all within their villages. Training for young women and girls in Information Technology (IT) and early childhood education were also discussed. The women were in favour of an idea proposed by RGAC to form groups in the various villages to assist members with a number of social issues that was voiced, the release added.
Subject Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, had earlier this year pledged to improve the delivery of assistance to vulnerable groups across the country and had announced strategic programmes to target social issues specific to the regions. “It is imperative that we establish an action plan to accomplish effective service delivery and programs that will have a tangible impact across the country and troubleshoot the problems as a collective group. Engaging groups in each region allows us to understand their peculiar needs and work to address them efficiently including people and communities every step of the way,” said Dr Persaud.
Ministry’s Gender Affairs Officer, Hymawattie Lagan, informed the participants that the Ministry’s WIIN program is poised to deliver in those areas. “We spoke about the formation of youth groups in the villages that would engage youths in a number of activities and assist in the reduction of some of the social issues. This group would be headed by the young female police officer supported by two other young women – a business woman and the footballer,” Lagan said. The release further noted that mentoring and its benefits to residents was discussed; RGAC member, Claire Singh, has taken on this responsibility with other members providing support. According to Lagan, women from the various villages have agreed to form their groups and submit a list to the GAB. This they hope to accomplish by the end of 2021, depending on the COVID pandemic.
Persons who were vaccinated attended the forum and spoke about the safety of the vaccines, encouraging persons to be vaccinated. The GAB plans to return to Region Nine in the first quarter of 2022 for training enhancement. The release identified Tabatinga, St. Ignatius, Culvert City and Karasabai, among several others, as villages from where the participants originated.
