‘Girls to Women’ mentorship network launched to empower young women nationwide

Young women across Guyana now have a new platform for growth and empowerment through the launch of the “Girls to Women Mentorship Network,” an initiative by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security aimed at guiding girls as they transition into adulthood.

The programme was officially launched on Monday at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown, during the Ministry’s observance of International Day of the Girl Child, hosted by the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA).

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said the initiative seeks to connect young girls with experienced women who can mentor, inspire, and help them unlock their full potential. She described it as a meaningful step toward equipping girls with the confidence and skills needed to thrive in all aspects of life.

“We must focus on empowering our girls, focus on ensuring that they’re included in every aspect of development, and focus on making sure that they access all the programmes and supporting mechanisms through the Childcare and Protection Agency, the Ministry of Human Services, and the government at large,” Dr. Persaud stated.

The Minister emphasised that the network will be expanded across the country, enabling closer relationships between women mentors and young girls in various regions. By connecting girls to accomplished women, she said, the programme will expose them to real-life stories of resilience, ambition, and success.

“Giving young girls the opportunity to hear directly from exceptional women allows them to learn about their challenges, their journeys, and their triumphs,” she noted. “By engaging with these inspiring role models, young girls can begin to see themselves reflected in their stories, envisioning their own paths to success, and even surpassing the achievements of the trailblazing women who came before them.”

Dr. Persaud added that the mentorship network represents the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to shaping strong, confident women of the future. “We’re trying in our own way to play a part in shaping the woman you will become tomorrow, while helping the girl you are today understand that there is support for everything you aspire to do and all that you can be,” she said.

The first cohort of mentors was also introduced at the launch. Among them were Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Roxanne George; President of the Guyana Bar Association, Pauline Chase; President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith; Woman Superintendent, Nicola Kendall; Environmental Enthusiast, Anette Arjoon; and Environmental Economist at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Pradeepa Bholanath.

The Girls to Women Mentorship Network is expected to serve as a continuous support system for girls across Guyana, promoting leadership, self-awareness, and equal participation in national development.