In light of increasing reports of gender-based discrimination, the Women and Gender Equality Commission has launched a campaign to chronicle the stories of ‘victims’ with the hope of bringing a halt to the issue.
“This campaign has been prompted by recent reports from members of the public and personnel of the disciplinary forces who have suffered under policies that contravene both Article 9 of the Constitution of Guyana and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to which Guyana is a ratified signatory since July 17 1980,” the Women and Gender Equality Commission said.
According to Article 11 of CEDAW, Governments are required to take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in employment, and shall ensure that men and women enjoy the same rights to work, gain employment and receive equal remuneration among others.
The Commission said some women in Guyana are victims of gender-based discrimination particularly in the workplace.
“Women in Guyana have been subjected to delayed promotion and even termination due to pregnancy. They have also suffered other forms of discrimination by employers including and in particular the disciplined forces,” it explained.
The organisation also said the lack of adherence to the law is unlawful.
It said too that discriminatory practices are unlawful and could be subjected to criminal proceedings.
Against that background, the Commission is inviting all persons who have been adversely affected by such policies and practices which discriminate unevenly against women or who have experienced sexual harassment at their place of work to contact the Commission on 231 5276 or send an email to [email protected]
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