By Mark DaCosta- The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has expressed a series of concerns about the escalating issue of violence against women in the country, calling for urgent political and legal action. In a recent press release, the GHRA highlighted the disturbing increase in human trafficking, particularly the exploitation of women and girls who are trafficked into Guyana’s sex industry. This problem, according to the GHRA, is not only a dire human rights issue but also a reflection of the broader societal and political attitudes that continue to enable such abuse.
By Mark DaCosta- The GHRA’s statement draws attention to the alarming trend of foreign women and girls being trafficked into strip clubs and bars across Guyana, where they are forced into sexual exploitation by male clients, including foreign nationals working in the country’s goldfields, construction sites, and oil rigs. These women, often lured or coerced into the country by criminal gangs, find themselves caught in a vicious cycle of abuse, with few options for escape. The traffickers, says the GHRA, include armed Venezuelan gangs, Brazilian miners, and local criminal associates.
This growing industry, the GHRA warns, is indicative of a larger problem of gender inequality and male-dominated systems within Guyanese society. While these crimes should be met with a serious political and legal response, the GHRA notes that this issue remains largely ignored or downplayed by the authorities.
The group points out that Guyana’s predominantly male political leadership and law enforcement system only exacerbate the situation. The country’s approach to addressing gender-based violence and trafficking appears to be heavily influenced by a culture of male dominance, which, according to the GHRA, is making it more difficult to tackle these deep-rooted problems effectively.
Furthermore, the GHRA argues that there is a worrying societal trend that normalises the objectification and exploitation of women. The increasing availability and acceptance of pornography, particularly on social media platforms, is playing a significant role in perpetuating harmful attitudes towards women. As the line between consensual and non-consensual sexual activity becomes blurred in such content, the GHRA asserts that it is becoming harder for men to recognise the violence inherent in their actions.
The GHRA highlights, too, the disturbing tolerance of misogyny in Guyanese politics, particularly within the National Assembly. Elected officials, the GHRA notes, have repeatedly displayed disrespectful and demeaning behaviour towards women, with little or no accountability. The group fears that this lack of respect for women in the political sphere could have long-term negative effects, potentially reversing hard-won advances in women’s rights.
Citing “[b]ehaviour in Parliament that would not be tolerated in rum shops attracts no penalties, even when it reaches levels of criminality, illustrating the strength of the ‘bro’/’brudda’ culture, GHRA warns, “li]t is only a matter of time before such regressive influences start to erode our liberal approach on issues such as termination of pregnancy and women’s health.” This attitude is dangerous, the GHRA argues, as it fosters a broader culture of male entitlement and violence.
To this end the GHRA calls for a renewed focus on women’s rights, particularly as Guyana joins the global community in observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This annual campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10, aims to raise awareness about the widespread nature of violence against women and to mobilise efforts to eliminate such abuse. The GHRA urges the government and society to use this period of activism not only to reflect on progress made but also to confront the pressing issues that remain.
In the press release, the GHRA calls for political action, highlighting the need for a society-wide response to gender violence, with women taking an active role in advocating for their own rights. The GHRA stresses that true empowerment for women cannot be achieved through legal reform alone but requires political mobilisation and public activism.
While the GHRA acknowledges some positive strides in gender equality, such as the passage of the Sexual Offences Act in 2010, they caution that these gains could be undermined if the current trend of exploitation and violence against women is allowed to continue.
