Dear Editor,
The Women & Gender Equality Commission notes with concern the persistence of the Stabroek News in facilitating the peculiar humour of cartoonist Mr. Paul Harris. His column ‘Politikles’ has on more than one occasion portrayed his gender insensitivity especially towards women. The latest such example was published on August 25, 2022.
We wish to hold this newspaper responsible for what it will and will not publish. You can choose to be responsible and not allow women to be the subject of off-colour jokes on your pages. Stabroek News is therefore being asked to make choices that do not encourage the culture of patriarchy in its pages. Both the Editorial staff and Mr. Harris seem in need of gender sensitivity training which the Commission would be happy to facilitate. Let us together seek to create a culture that encourages diversity, equity and inclusion and supports equality and non-discrimination.
Yours sincerely,
Indranie Chandarpal
Chairperson
Women & Gender Equality
Commission
Editor-in-Chief’s note: Stabroek News upholds the right of the cartoonist to freedom of expression. The newspaper does not believe that the `Politkles’ complained about in itself or in association with others portray gender insensitivity.