AFC reaffirms commitment to fight for empowerment for all women in Guyana

The Alliance For Change (AFC) extends warm greetings to all women across Guyana as we observe International Women’s Day 2025. Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of our women in every sector of society—from our homes and schools to businesses, healthcare, agriculture, and beyond. While we honor these contributions, we also take this moment to highlight the urgent issues still facing women and girls in Guyana.

During our weekly press conference, AFC leaders and Members of Parliament underscored several critical areas requiring immediate attention, including gender-based violence, economic empowerment, access to education, and support for vulnerable populations, including special needs citizens.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence continues to plague our society, with 1,537 incidents of domestic abuse per 100,000 people recorded in 2024. The government has set a target to reduce this number to 1,383 in 2025, but the AFC strongly believes that no woman should be placed at risk due to weak policies and ineffective enforcement. We call for stronger legal frameworks, enhanced survivor support services, and nationwide public awareness campaigns to shift cultural attitudes towards domestic violence.

“Achieving lower rates of gender-based violence requires collaboration between government, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders,” stated AFC Member of Parliament Juretha Fernandes. “We need practical solutions, not just policies on paper.”

Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender-Sensitive National Planning

Women remain at a disadvantage in accessing financial opportunities, particularly in small business development. The AFC has long advocated for a Women’s Bank, a proposal aimed at ensuring women have the necessary financial tools to grow and sustain businesses.

MP Cathy Hughes also emphasized the need for gender-sensitive national planning, stating, “Gender issues and women’s issues must not be an addendum to national planning.” The AFC calls for gender mainstreaming in every aspect of national development, including education, healthcare, economic policies, and job creation strategies.

Support for Special Needs Women and Girls

Special needs citizens, including women and girls with disabilities, continue to face barriers in accessing financial support and government assistance. MP Valarie Lowe denounced the challenges they endure, describing the process of receiving financial aid as a “bureaucratic nightmare.”

The AFC urges the Ministry of Human Services, the National Disability Commission, and the Ministry of Finance to streamline financial assistance for persons with disabilities, ensuring accessible, dignified, and efficient services.

A Call to Action

As we observe International Women’s Day, the AFC reaffirms its commitment to fighting for equality, justice, and economic empowerment for all women in Guyana. We call on the government, civil society, and every citizen to work collectively towards building a Guyana where women are safe, economically independent, and empowered to lead in all sectors of society.

This is not just a day of celebration—it is a call for action. We must work together to end gender-based violence, expand women’s economic opportunities, and ensure the voices of all women—regardless of income, location, or ability—are heard and respected.

Happy International Women’s Day to all the women of Guyana!