By Nakasia Logan
Women in business are spearheading efforts to advocate for gender equality and policy changes in development, led by prominent woman leader and economist, Natasha Gaskin Peters.
At a recent ceremony held at the Cara Lodge, eight women celebrated their remarkable achievements in business growth under the Accelerate Her Programme.
The occasion marked a significant milestone as certificates were distributed to the accomplished women.
Director of the Centre for Local Business Development, Natasha Gaskin Peters, shed light on the challenges faced by women in the business realm and emphasized the urgent need for policy changes to foster gender equality.
She underscored the importance of solidarity among female leaders in overcoming systemic barriers, particularly addressing issues such as unpaid labor and the struggles of balancing business pursuits with domestic responsibilities.
Gaskin Peters highlighted three critical challenges hindering women’s advancement in the workplace.
She addressed the pervasive gender gap in Guyana’s workforce and lamented the persistent phenomenon of women being overlooked for leadership positions despite their qualifications and contributions.
Recognizing the significance of programs aimed at supporting women in business, Gaskin Peters called for broader dissemination of such initiatives and urged for policy changes prioritizing gender equality and support mechanisms for families, including affordable daycare services.
Meanwhile, Lorena Solazar, a representative from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), expressed personal commitment to supporting women’s empowerment.
She highlighted the IDB’s partnership in providing women with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in business, both locally and internationally.
The ceremony concluded with congratulations to the graduates of the programme and a call to action for continued advocacy and support for women in business.
As the second cohort prepares to embark on their journey, the commitment to empowering women and driving positive change in the business landscape remains unwavering.