Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings, has highlighted the issue of “minimal women’s participation in public office”, while noting that there are now greater protection for women under the Constitution.

Delivering a Memorial Lecture in Honour of late Chancellor Desiree Bernard at the University of Guyana on Monday, Justice Cummings noted that although there has been some processes both locally and internationally to address the question of equality, women are still excluded from major decision-making roles.

“So, it is known that women have been excluded from decision making processes from public offices to government and from top positions. It tells me too, that women—if they happen to find their way to the top is either by accident, maybe affirmative action or perhaps the exception rather than the rule,” the Chancellor noted.

The Acting Chancellor argued that decisions which are taken in both public and private offices without a gender balance or enough women’s participation, are decisions that must be reviewed.

She also called for a change of mindset and cultural practices if the rights of women are to be achieved.

“For there to be gender equality and to bridge the gender divide it is evident that a lot has to be done. Article 29 of the Constitution is a brilliant start, a step in the right direction. It is a known fact that women make up a large part of the global offices and are not accordingly represented in top positions in the public and private spheres,” Cummings stated.

The Acting Chancellor acknowledged legislative advancements both here in Guyana and in the region which aim to advance women’s rights. However, she stated that despite those interventions, women remain unrepresented in too many instances.

“Although today, women now have that right to vote and to participate in democratic government, even these political rights have not translated into greater participation by women in high level public office. Indeed, women’s presence in all bodies in domestic government, international organization is minimal. It has been argued that women’s desperate treatment and mistreatment is in law and practice”, she stressed.

Justice Cummings said leaders in every sector must ensure that they prioritize women’s participation in decision making and opportunities.

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