-by Kimberly Giddings

Domestic violence continues to be a serious issue in Guyana, and on March 8th, International Women’s Day was observed with a walk hosted by First Lady Arya Ali, highlighting the need to address this problem. 

The walk also served as a moment to remember women who lost their lives due to domestic violence.

The names of victims of domestic violence were written and pinned on a board honoring them not only as family members, but as valued members of their communities. 

The First Lady remembered the women who lost their lives to domestic violence, noting that even teenage girls have fallen victim at the hands of violent men. 

She said while the day celebrates the progress women have made over the years, it is also important to reflect on the role everyone must play in creating a safer society for women.

“Importantly, however, it is the need for us to recognise our individual and collective responsibilities in our homes, school, places of worship, and communities, and support existing systems which are designed to protect and empower our women and girls,” she said.

The First Lady reminded that the government has resolved to undertake massive institutional strengthening to protect women in vulnerable situations and hold perpetrators accountable, such as through the successful passage and enactment of the Family Violence Act.

She affirmed that the government will continue to implement similar revisions and reforms at the policy level to ensure that the rights of women are protected.

Mrs. Ali also explained that her office has remained consistent in its bid to support the crafting of a better future for women and girls through programmes that empower and expand economic opportunities, such as the Menstrual Hygiene Initiative, which was launched in 2021 and has provided over 32,000 school-age girls across Guyana with access to free sanitary pads.

Additionally, millions have been invested in women-led startups and in the construction of homes for women-led single parent households as part of this drive. These efforts, she explained, align with Guyana’s constitutional commitment to gender equality and international frameworks such as the convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Also speaking at the event were the Minister of Labor and Human Services and Social Security, emphasising the importance of continuing to uplift and empower women. 

“We have a lot of work to do because as men we ought to be protectors of our women. Without you in the world, without your presence, the world will not be what it is,” the minister asserted.

The Women’s Day walk began from the Bank of Guyana and concluded at the Kingston Seawall Explanade. It was supported by members of the diplomatic community, private sector, state agencies, and civil society.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls‘.