Tag: women

‘We Lift Expo’ empowering women entrepreneurs

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Women entrepreneurs continue to expand business opportunities by showcasing and marketing their products through Guyana’s largest women’s expo, “We Lift”, coordinated by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

This year’s event, We Lift 5, is scheduled to take place at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, from April 11 to 13.

Entrepreneur Annisha Layne Persaud of The Wooden Gallery, who participated in last year’s expo, shared that it was an incredible experience.

“It provided a great platform for me to showcase The Wooden Gallery and connect with other female entrepreneurs. This led me to attend the Barbados Agro-Fest last February, giving my business the opportunity to tap into international markets,” she noted.

The ministry has announced its continued partnership with School of the Nations, and Director of Nations Inc., Pam O’Toole, is encouraging women to attend.

“We’re very happy to continue supporting the We Lift programme. Over the years, we’ve had the joy of working with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and contributing to ‘We Lift’ has been one of our greatest privileges. It’s exciting to see the programme outgrowing its previous venues due to its popularity and success. We fully support this vision, spearheaded by Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services, as she empowers young and aspiring women entrepreneurs by providing them with a space to network, sell their products, and grow their businesses,” she said.

She further noted that Nations Inc. has been involved in training exercises since 2021, and its $5 million contribution is a way of giving back to support women trained under the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme.

“The minister has asked us to showcase more of the work we’ve done under the WIIN programme. In 2024, the focus shifted to more technical and vocational skills training. At this year’s exhibition, attendees will see a tech booth displaying programmes that Nations facilitated last year, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, and welding. Programme managers and women facilitators who trained participants will be present to provide insights. We encourage people to explore what’s available in 2025 and sign up to be part of this wonderful initiative,” O’Toole added.

Training, financial support offered to women-led businesses

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Women-led businesses and entrepreneurs will benefit from training, mentorship, and financial support through the AccelerateHer 2025 initiative, a collaboration between the Centre for Local Business Development, the Greater Guyana Initiative, and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS).
The deadline for this year’s intake is quickly approaching, closing on March 31, and women-led businesses and entrepreneurs are encouraged to get on board.

The programme creates a space for women to connect, collaborate, and learn from industry experts, with knowledge and support on how to turn their business ideas into a reality.
Offering workshops, one-on-one business advisory services, mentoring, pitch development, and a strong sense of community, it is strategically tailored to help small businesses grow.

AccelerateHer pairs participants with mentors who share similar business backgrounds, ensuring each entrepreneur receives personalised guidance.

Public Relations Officer at MHSSS, Aviso Paul, has re-emphasised the importance of the programme, noting that it aligns with the ministry’s ongoing efforts to support women entrepreneurs.
“Why did we choose to collaborate? As you know, the MHSSS plays an integral role in the development of women entrepreneurs through the WIIN programme, a platform for women to thrive. So, we found this collaboration to be something that will fit in perfectly with the services that we already offer to women and add to the many opportunities to help women-owned businesses. This collaboration seals the deal to further propel women entrepreneurs and give them that support, whether through training or even finance,” said Paul.

Women in business are continuing to break barriers, and the AccelerateHer programme is leading the way in supporting female entrepreneurs across Guyana.
It is designed to give women the tools, mentorship, and skills they need to succeed in business, creating a new wave of confident and capable women-run enterprises.
With support from the MHSSS, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce Guyana, and the Greater Guyana Initiative, AccelerateHer offers female entrepreneurs business development training and leadership coaching, ensuring that women are not only participants in the economy but are leading it.

Development of women entrepreneurs a primary focus, says new GCCI president

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The first female president elected to serve the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith, has stated that one of her main focuses is the development of women entrepreneurs.

The GCCI elected Smith as its first woman president following its 135th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, making her the first woman to hold the position in 136 years.

In her first address to the media following her election, Smith outlined some of her key priorities during her tenure.

“This focus and commitment to building the capacity of our members continues with this new role. But as the first woman president of the GCCI, I want to utilise this privilege to contribute positively to the development of women entrepreneurs. Because of my background and the strong, confident women in my life—like my grandmother, who was a businesswoman in her own right—their influence shaped me. The assertiveness and confidence I have in approaching not just business but life is something I want to see instilled in all women entrepreneurs in this country,” she stated.

The new president also reaffirmed her objectives of advocating for and fostering opportunities for women entrepreneurs to ensure that their businesses are sustainable and profitable.

“It does not matter whether it is a micro-business—a one-woman operation—or a small firm. The GCCI wants to see our women-owned businesses and MSMEs [Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises] thrive and succeed,” she reiterated.

This election also followed the 135th elections for the Chamber’s 21-member Council for the year 2025/2026, held during the AGM on 19 March.

The Executive Management Committee (EMC) also includes Senior Vice President Gavin Ramsoondar, Junior Vice President Brian Edwards, Treasurer Melisa McRae-George, and Secretary Kristia Ramlagan-Prescott.

The Council also invited Councillors, Immediate Past President Kester Hutson, Past President Timothy Tucker, and Past Senior Vice President Richard Rambarran to serve on the Executive Management Committee as Ex-Officio Members.

Together with the members of the EMC, the Council comprises Dee George of Herdmanston Lodge; Delmar Walcott of Pinnacle Solutions; Devon Seeram of Payless Variety Store; Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran of Envisage Marketing and Technology Company; Eusi Evelyn of Green State Oil & Gas Services Inc.; Keon Howard of Electric (Guyana) Inc.; Komal Ramnauth of Kojac; Mary Nagasar of Hand-in-Hand Group of Companies; Navin Prashad of M.P. Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited; Orson Ferguson of Vista Holdings Inc.; Paul Archer of Loss Control and Risk Management Guyana; Boyce of Sonic Business Services; and Rosh Khan of Social Rank Media.

Smith with members of her team

Smith with members of her team

Majority of Guyanese women have access to social aid programmes

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Sixty-three per cent of Guyanese women have increased access to social assistance programmes, according to Dr Cona Husbands, Manager of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU).

Dr Husbands made the disclosure during the 13th plenary meeting of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations Headquarters on Monday.

In her address on steps taken to eradicate poverty and enhance social protection service delivery for women in Guyana, Dr Husbands stated that while many women and girls across the region are still severely affected, the Government of Guyana has taken steps to ensure that its population receives adequate support.

“Across regions, while poverty rates have declined in many areas, women and girls remain disproportionately affected. As we deliberate, creative and inclusive solutions must be prioritised for countries to sustain their efforts to eradicate this poverty. In Guyana, sixty-three per cent of women have increased access to social assistance programmes because our government has been proactive in crafting programmes that are accessible and gender-responsive, ensuring that women and girls, especially in rural areas, receive the support they need,” she noted.

She further stated that in today’s world of overlapping crises, including climate change and pandemics, social protection systems must be resilient and adaptable to meet the needs of affected women and girls.

Dr Husbands noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security quickly adapted by introducing emergency relief packages, including direct cash transfers and food assistance, to support vulnerable women and children.

She said this highlights the need for flexible social protection systems that can address shocks and ensure continuity of services, as gender-responsive programmes focus on addressing the specific needs of women and girls.

“This includes ensuring that social protection systems recognise the unpaid care work that women perform and that they provide support for women’s economic empowerment. Key stakeholders, including the UN, governments, and civil society, must work together to ensure that social protection systems are intact and well-resourced,” Dr Husbands said.

She added that in Guyana, the government partners with civil society organisations to conduct community outreaches and awareness sensitisation campaigns to ensure that women and girls are aware of their rights and social protection, as well as how to access these services.

Dr Husbands said the government has also introduced measures to streamline service delivery and ensure that women in remote areas are not excluded from critical support.

She stated that while the government’s efforts provide a strong foundation for continued progress, it must be emphasised that the sharing of global financial resources with lower and middle-income countries will lead to a more sustainable gender-responsive system that addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of women and girls.

72 women graduate from leadership and finance programmes

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Seventy-two women successfully graduated from the Road to Leadership and Road to Finance programmes at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Saturday.
A release stated that the event marked a significant milestone in fostering women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in Guyana.
The programmes were delivered by ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. in partnership with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and proudly sponsored by the ExxonMobil Foundation.

The graduation ceremony underscored the transformative impact of these initiatives, which equip women entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence, and financial literacy needed to scale their businesses.
The event featured distinguished speakers, including Jane Miller OBE, British High Commissioner; Lorena Solorzano-Salazar, IDB Group Country Representative; Leanne Baker, Senior Programme Manager at the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women; and Deondra Wishart, Socioeconomic Advisor at ExxonMobil Guyana Limited.
The graduates also heard inspiring testimonials from programme participants, including Charlyn Miller of Impact Business Solutions and Tiffany Corletta-John of The Cake Corner, who shared their journeys of growth and resilience.
The Road to Leadership and Road to Finance programmes have provided women entrepreneurs with a comprehensive toolkit to navigate the complexities of business ownership and strategic decision-making.
By focusing on leadership development and financial literacy, these initiatives have empowered participants to drive sustainable growth within their enterprises and make meaningful contributions to their industries and communities.

The graduates not only gained technical expertise but also developed the confidence to advocate for their businesses, secure investment opportunities, and scale their operations.
Many participants entered the programme seeking guidance on financial planning, investment readiness, and strategic leadership, and they emerged with actionable strategies to enhance their business resilience and long-term sustainability.
Cherie Blair, Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, delivered a powerful video message highlighting the vital role women entrepreneurs play in economic development globally. She reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to providing women with the necessary resources, mentorship, and networks to break barriers and achieve financial independence.
The formal graduation ceremony was a moment of celebration and recognition, as participants received their certificates from key stakeholders. The presentation of certificates symbolised not just the completion of the programme but also the beginning of a new chapter, where these women would apply their acquired knowledge to expand their businesses and mentor others in their communities.

Following the graduation, the evening transitioned into a dynamic networking session, fostering collaboration and future business partnerships. This space allowed graduates to connect with industry leaders, potential investors, and fellow entrepreneurs, reinforcing a community of support that will continue to drive their success beyond the programme.
The atmosphere was one of celebration and optimism, as women shared their aspirations and explored new opportunities to grow their ventures.
The Road to Leadership and Road to Finance programmes, developed by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, are transformative initiatives that provide female entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge necessary to strengthen their business acumen and financial confidence.

These programmes go beyond traditional training, offering practical insights, mentorship, and strategic frameworks to help women lead with authority and make informed financial decisions.
Through the support of the ExxonMobil Foundation and ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., the initiatives have played a pivotal role in equipping over 70 women in Guyana with the tools to overcome barriers, optimise business operations, and position themselves for long-term success.
Participants have gained critical competencies in areas such as business planning, investment strategies, risk management, and leadership development—allowing them not only to sustain their enterprises but also to drive economic growth within their communities.

Empowering women, girls a smart investment, says attorney

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Empowering women and girls is not just the “right thing” to do; it is the “smart thing”, said Attorney-at-Law Chandrawattie Persaud.

 

Persaud delivered the keynote address at an event celebrating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, organised by the Guyana Together Campaign and the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana. The event was held last Thursday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in Georgetown.

 

“When women are educated, economies grow. When they participate in decision-making, governance improves. When they are free from violence and discrimination, societies thrive. Yet, millions of women and girls continue to face systemic barriers,” she said.

 

The event highlighted the role of women in business and in advocating for gender justice.

 

Persaud acknowledged the strides made in tackling these issues and encouraged more people to step forward and play a role.

 

“Focusing on the need to accelerate action emphasises the importance of taking strict and decisive steps to achieve gender equality and gender justice. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and vices that women face, both in personal and professional spheres,” she said

 

She added: “A quick reflection on 30 years ago reminds us that the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action urged the global community to guarantee equal rights and opportunities for women and girls everywhere. Despite progress, that vision remains unfulfilled.”

 

Persaud also underscored the need for greater support for gender equality and for ensuring that all are treated equally in Guyana.

 

The attorney pointed out that discriminatory laws persist, fatalities and gruesome violence continue, and women’s voices are still too often marginalised.

 

Persaud further stated that she was grateful to see leaders who support women in business and economic development gathered in one space.

 

She emphasised her belief that efforts to secure empowerment for women are closely linked to the need to protect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people.

 

“Similarly, LGBT people in Guyana continue to face high levels of exclusion and harassment. Laws that stigmatise them also lead to further discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, and social services. Discrimination and harassment in any form are wrong, whether based on gender,” Persaud said.

 

She further stressed that everyone should strive to treat LGBT people as they themselves would like to be treated, as they are neighbours, friends, family members, and colleagues—all integral parts of our communities.

Minister Persaud: Women and girls centre of empowerment

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Women and girls are at the centre of empowerment, said the Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud.

Minister Persaud made the remarks during an address at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, 7th plenary meeting at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Wednesday.

She underscored the government’s transformative policies and initiatives, which she noted are designed to protect, empower, and elevate women, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive.

“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, we are reminded of the groundbreaking vision set forth three decades ago – a bold blueprint for gender equality that catalysed global momentum. Yet, despite transformative strides in education, health, and political participation, we stand at a critical juncture, where regression threatens to unravel hard-won gains. Violence against women, gender disparities in economic opportunity, and systemic barriers to leadership persist, undermining the very ideals enshrined in Beijing,” the minister said.

She noted that Guyana has not stood still but has strategically invested in capacity-building, achieving gender parity in primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

“Guyana has placed women and girls at the centre of technical, vocational education and socio-economic empowerment efforts. All women in Guyana have access to free healthcare, telemedicine, focused maternal and child services, and free testing and immunisation. Targeted services for cancers affecting women have revolutionised the delivery of healthcare to women in indigenous, rural, and remote communities,” the minister said.

She highlighted that women’s rights to safety and security have led to the development of a comprehensive national model to counter violence against them, with the new Family Violence Act, reporting, response and support mechanisms, and Hope and Justice Centres providing multi-faceted, multi-sectoral services under one roof.

“The government is taking a holistic approach to eradicating poverty among women by facilitating significant land and home ownership, training in climate-smart agriculture towards increased food security, and promoting non-traditional jobs to capitalise on growing industries in construction and renewable energy,” she said.

The government has recognised that affordable childcare is essential for women to compete equally and equitably in the workforce and has provided assistance in this regard.

The minister also pointed out that the government is aware that, despite sustained efforts, no country has yet achieved gender equality and empowerment for all women and girls. She stressed that the challenges are vast and multi-faceted.

“It is a travesty that women are still massively outnumbered by men in decision-making and leadership positions. Financial independence for women, their safety, and their inclusion in decision-making processes require urgent changes to global attitudes. Innovative global partnerships and unprecedented financial investments are necessary to ensure that the momentum of the Beijing platform is not lost,” she said.

Minister Persaud warned that failure to act decisively risks not only leaving women behind but also denying the world the full potential of half its population.

“Let us ignite a renewed urgency to push forward with unrelenting resolve. Inaction today could pave the way for a future less equitable, less just, and less inclusive. We must not allow the progress of the last 30 years to be stifled. We must forge ahead, unwavering in our commitment to breaking the chains of inequality,” she said.

 

ERC: Women at heart of unity, peace and respect

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has recognised the invaluable contributions of women and has joined the global community in celebrating the meaningful impact they make on society.

Marking International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “Accelerate Action,” the ERC stated that this annual celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the essential role women play in shaping a society rooted in inclusion, peace, and respect.

It added that women have long been pioneers of cohesion and unity in Guyana.

“As leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and caregivers, their resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication continue to drive national progress and social harmony.”

The Commission acknowledges the significant role of women in Guyana’s socio-economic advancement across all ethnic groups and sectors of society.

The ERC firmly believes that fostering an environment where women’s potential can fully flourish is essential for building a sustainable future and a just society.

As advocates for change, the Commission urges all stakeholders to actively support this year’s theme by removing barriers and dismantling biases that hinder women’s progress.

“Today, the ERC honours and celebrates all women whose remarkable efforts continue to propel the development of our country. Their exemplary leadership, resilience, and contributions serve as a beacon of inspiration, reaffirming the power of women when they are supported, empowered, and valued.”

The Commission encourages women of all ages to continue pursuing their dreams, enhancing their personal skills, and striving for academic excellence so that Guyana’s development can be equally shaped by their resourcefulness.

Women-led businesses, entrepreneurs to benefit from HerVenture Summit and Expo

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Women in business and entrepreneurship will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights, connect with industry leaders, and explore opportunities to scale their businesses at the HerVenture Summit and Expo on March 8—International Women’s Day.
The event, scheduled to take place at the Theatre Guild in Georgetown, will bring together women to explore opportunities in business, education, and entrepreneurship under the theme, “Future-Proofing Women Entrepreneurs: Innovation, Finance & Digital Transformation.”
It will feature expert panels providing insights on innovation, finance, and digital transformation; a Business Pitch segment where women-led businesses will take center stage; an Expo showcasing innovative female-owned brands; and a B2B Networking segment, allowing women to connect and collaborate.
One of the keynote speakers at the event will be Liselle Blankendal, Ambassador of Suriname to Guyana. Blankendal’s empowering session, “Women Shaping the Future of Business and Nation-Building,” will seek to inspire and motivate attendees to break boundaries, innovate, and lead in business and nation-building.
Meanwhile, Dr. Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, will share insights on how women can lead in education, embrace mentorship, and leverage networking to seize new opportunities.
HerVenture Manager Upsana Mudlier told Ignite News that the event is being hosted on International Women’s Day to send a message that women are taking the lead in the business industry, despite the stigma attached to women in business.
“Women always find it more challenging to do business because of that stigma, but we believe that once you have the education, the knowledge, and you’re in the right network, you can move away from that,” she said.
She also highlighted the free HerVenture app, readily available for download, which provides useful business information.
“We have an app called HerVenture, which is a business information app that, once downloaded on your phone, allows you to learn all about business. If you don’t have a business yet but want to learn how to start one, it’s the perfect place. And if you already have a business, it can help you grow,” Mudlier noted.
The event is designed for both current and aspiring women entrepreneurs, providing insights into business opportunities in Guyana. It will also feature inspiring stories from women entrepreneurs who have participated in the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Business Programmes, a dynamic expo showcasing women-led businesses, and one-on-one consultations with business support organisations. Representatives from ExxonMobil, financial institutions, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and other organisations will also be in attendance.
Women interested in attending the event can register at https://dmcal.com/widget/form/4yVMkGw1bLtY88STAE.

49 women on journey to entrepreneurship

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Cindy Europe from Region Five plans to open a night-care service. She is one of 50 individuals—comprising one male and 49 females—who graduated from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Early Childhood Development Course last Friday.

The graduates, who hail from Regions Two to Ten, completed a comprehensive programme focused on understanding early childhood development, fostering positive developmental outcomes, and implementing age-appropriate stimulation techniques for children who are below one to three years.

“I’m really happy I finished the course, even though it was tough. I was between jobs while studying, but it taught me that you have to work hard to get what you want. I’m going to use the grant to start my own night-care service. There are lots of daycares, but not many places that offer childcare at night,” she said.

The graduation ceremony, held at the ministry’s head office, also marked the launch of the inaugural “home-based care” initiative.

Under this initiative, each graduate received a $100,000 grant, amounting to a total ministerial investment of $5 million, to establish independent home-based childcare services.

This initiative aims to expand access to quality early childhood care within community settings.

Notably, once these individuals establish their home-based care services, officers from the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) will conduct monthly home visits to carry out necessary inspections.

Several other graduates expressed gratitude to the ministry for providing them with the opportunity to upskill themselves and access the resources needed to launch their own businesses.

Among them was Cianna Persaud, a mother.

“It is a pleasure to be part of any initiative that establishes a strong foundation for children. As a mother of three, this is particularly important to me.
The $100,000 grant provided by the Ministry of Human Services will be a valuable start for many of us who wish to open our own day and night-care centres,” Persaud said.

For Gory Charles, another graduate, the opportunity to help other young mothers like herself is invaluable.

The journey was not easy for Charles, but she was committed to completing the programme.

“The course presented some challenges. There were days when I felt like quitting and was brought to tears. Balancing the demands of being a mother of four made it particularly difficult. However, the programme also contributed to my personal growth as a parent. It helped me better understand my children, their developmental stages, and their learning styles.

“This programme will enable me to establish a night-care service. Since I work during the day, a night-care facility will allow me to provide crucial support to young mothers working night shifts,” she explained.

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, congratulated all the graduates and encouraged them to continue striving for upward mobility.

“Don’t stop here,” she urged. “Continue investing in your academic journey, and you will build lives that are deeply meaningful to yourselves while creating lasting positive change within your communities.”

The Early Childhood Development Course is designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to provide quality care and stimulation to young children, contributing to their healthy development.