The Women & Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) says it is on a campaign to gather information from persons who have been subjected to gender-based discrimination.
A release yesterday from the WGEC said that this campaign has been prompted by recent reports from members of the public and personnel of the disciplinary forces who have suffered under policies that contravene both Article 9 of the Constitution of Guyana and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) which Guyana ratified since July 17 1980.
The WGEC noted that “Article 11 of CEDAW states that State Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in employment and shall ensure, on the basis of equality of men and women, the same rights to work, the same employment opportunities, free choice of employment, promotion, benefits, vocational training, equal remuneration, equal treatment in respect of work of equal value, the right to social security, unemployment benefits, protection of health. State Parties shall prohibit dismissal on the grounds of pregnancy or marital status. State Parties shall take measures to introduce maternity leave with pay or social benefits.”
The WGEC said that women in Guyana have been subjected to delayed promotion and even termination due to pregnancy.
“They have also suffered other forms of discrimination by employers including and in particular the disciplined forces. This lack of adherence to the law is unlawful. These discriminatory practices are unlawful and could be subjected to criminal proceedings”, the WGEC warned.
The Commission is inviting all persons who have been adversely affected by such policies and practices or who have experienced sexual harassment at their place of work to contact the Commission on 231 5276 or send an email to ceo@wgec.gov.gy
