Guyana’s largest Women’s Business Expo ‘We Lift 6’ opened today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre with Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud challenging women and girls to use their voices to influence positive change, and champion women rights.

 “In which ever sphere you find yourself, you your voices to amplify the cause, you voices to speak for other girls like yourself who need positive influence and inspiration, use your voices to create spaces, and I am very careful with saying create spaces because we are no longer battering down the door to have a space, we are in those spaces,” Minister Persaud.

The Human Services Minister said it is time to re-imagine spaces to ensure that women’s voices, perspectives and goals are realized not as mere “anomalies or tokens” but everyday occurrences.

She acknowledged that in Guyana, women are increasingly taking up leading positions and are actively involved in decision making at the highest level.

“Here in Guyana, we celebrate the strides, we celebrate the trail blazers and the pioneers who dare to change the narrative that existed when our country in its earlier stages would not have appreciated the enormous contributions of women but as time marched on today, we are seeing women occupying some of the most powerful seats in our country. Our women are in the national decision making seats of our country. If you look at our Cabinet, some of the most critical and key positions are occupied by women,” Human Services Minister said.

Minister Persaud said Guyana has moved from just having a sprinkle of women in the National Assembly to now having almost 40% of women taking up seats in the House.

“We also see women populate boards, agencies and they are part not only of a conversation where they are avid listeners but they are part of that conversation – being heard, being seen, and being the architects of so many things – our legislation, our national frameworks, our programmes, and yes, the future of other women just like them,” Minister Persaud said.

It was noted also that the Government has been creating an enabling environment for women to strive and break down barriers that are intended to keep them from decision making.

Importantly, she said steps are taken every day to empower women through policies and programmes and to enable their financial independence.

She said the Government is determined to ensure that equality and equity are achieved.

This year, the Women’s Expo featured panel discussions on a range of areas including the National Roadmap to Counter Gender-Based Violence, and Women in Business.

The Women’s Expo has evolved significantly over the years – moving from just 75 exhibitions when it first started to 460 exhibits today. It is being held under the theme “Let Her Bloom”, and continues all weekend.

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