Empowering women, girls a smart investment, says attorney

Empowering women and girls is not just the “right thing” to do; it is the “smart thing”, said Attorney-at-Law Chandrawattie Persaud.

Persaud delivered the keynote address at an event celebrating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, organised by the Guyana Together Campaign and the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana. The event was held last Thursday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in Georgetown.

“When women are educated, economies grow. When they participate in decision-making, governance improves. When they are free from violence and discrimination, societies thrive. Yet, millions of women and girls continue to face systemic barriers,” she said.

The event highlighted the role of women in business and in advocating for gender justice.

Persaud acknowledged the strides made in tackling these issues and encouraged more people to step forward and play a role.

“Focusing on the need to accelerate action emphasises the importance of taking strict and decisive steps to achieve gender equality and gender justice. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and vices that women face, both in personal and professional spheres,” she said

She added: “A quick reflection on 30 years ago reminds us that the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action urged the global community to guarantee equal rights and opportunities for women and girls everywhere. Despite progress, that vision remains unfulfilled.”

Persaud also underscored the need for greater support for gender equality and for ensuring that all are treated equally in Guyana.

The attorney pointed out that discriminatory laws persist, fatalities and gruesome violence continue, and women’s voices are still too often marginalised.

Persaud further stated that she was grateful to see leaders who support women in business and economic development gathered in one space.

She emphasised her belief that efforts to secure empowerment for women are closely linked to the need to protect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people.

“Similarly, LGBT people in Guyana continue to face high levels of exclusion and harassment. Laws that stigmatise them also lead to further discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, and social services. Discrimination and harassment in any form are wrong, whether based on gender,” Persaud said.

She further stressed that everyone should strive to treat LGBT people as they themselves would like to be treated, as they are neighbours, friends, family members, and colleagues—all integral parts of our communities.