-Min. Persaud tells UN Forum
-by Celestine Chacon
Sixty percent of government-distributed housing lands in Guyana have been allocated to women.
This was disclosed by Minister of Human Services and Social security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, while addressing the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations Headquarters today.
“I am proud to share that sixty percent of government-distributed housing lands in Guyana are owned by women. This is part of our intentional policy of moving women towards economic autonomy,” she told the Forum.
Persaud outlined Guyana’s efforts to strengthen protections for women and girls, including training for law enforcement, public awareness on legal rights, and increasing women’s participation in leadership.
“Guyanese women are leading legislative and justice system reforms. 39% of Guyana’s parliamentarians are women and women are at the helm of our judiciary, constituting more than 50% of our judges,” the minister further pointed out.
She also highlighted new measures to address gender-based violence, including the 2024 Family Violence Act, Sexual Offences Act, and the establishment of Hope and Justice Centres. Persaud told the UN that closing the justice gap for women requires “strong political will’, continued investment, and collaboration across society.
The global forum is taking place from March 9 to 19 under the theme: “Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers.”