New national seal sets higher bar for inclusive and respectful workplaces

The National Gender Equality and Empowerment Seal was launched on Wednesday to promote safe, inclusive and equitable work environments across Guyana’s public and private sectors.

The initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, was unveiled at the Roraima Duke Lodge before senior government officials, private-sector leaders and representatives of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Guyana is the first Caribbean country to receive UNFPA support for addressing Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) through a national workplace certification programme.

Attendees included Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith, Public Service Minister Zulfikar Ally, Permanent Secretaries, members of key private-sector bodies and UNFPA officials.

Human Services Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud said advancing gender equality and ending gender-based violence require unified national action, adding that the seal sets measurable standards for both public and private workplaces.

“This gender seal is not merely a policy; it is an actionable programme where there are measurable indicators… to make every workplace a safe space,” she said.

Persaud said empowerment must involve women, men and boys.

“We need our boys equally walk this path… This is an extraordinarily powerful moment,” she added.

She also urged a coordinated national response to violence, saying the issue cannot fall to a single agency.

The programme positions Guyana as a regional leader in workplace safety, dignity and equal opportunity, setting what officials say is a new Caribbean benchmark for gender-just work environments.