A workshop aimed at empowering women in the public sector in Guyana was held on Wednesday at the Little Rock Suites Conference Room in New Amsterdam.
The workshop, organized and executed by the women’s arm of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) saw the attendance of several women.
The women were given a chance to air personal grievances at their workplaces and to bring to the fore, programmes that they believe should be implemented in their workplaces to help empower women.
Dawn Gardener, Second Vice President of the GPSU and also the representative of the Ministry of Labour said that the aim of the day’s activity was to bring women together to brainstorm ways and means how women can be empowered.
She said that they know that women have a lot of skills and talents and that women can plan after-work activities that could see them earning an extra bit at the end of the day. She noted the meager salaries in the public service in Guyana and stated that women can take the opportunity to plant a kitchen garden or learn a trade.
“Yes, our salaries are meagre and we need to earn that extra dollar; we need help and support to earn,” she stated.
Gardener, in her remarks to the gathering, focused on the achievements of women and the contributions that they made over the years.
The feature address was delivered by Presbyterian Pastor, Reverend Edna Redmond, who stressed the development of personality and character of women. She urged the women represented to be able to manage their finances and to make use of the Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and education facilities that exist in their communities.
She also asked the women to use all their talents and resources to provide the extra funds they need to develop themselves, their families, communities, country and ultimately the world.
“Empowerment is very important in the home community, nation and internationally,” she stressed.
In his absence, a message by GPSU President, Patrick Yarde, was read to the women. There was a group session at which the women brainstormed tasks. There was, too, a question and answer segment.
More of these workshops will be held in the other regions of Guyana. (Leon Suseran)