GPSU’s Message on International Women’s Day

The President, Executive Council and Staff of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) sends greetings for a Happy International Women’s Day 2026, to all women, everywhere, on this significant day of celebration. The theme for this year’s observance centres around “Rights, Justice Action. For ALL Women and Girls”.

Rights and justice are the hallmark requirements of just and fair societies where every worker and every citizen are guaranteed protection from abuses. The ILO 1997 Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, gives an assurance that all people are equal before the law. The theme indicates an absence of meaningful democratic principles of rights and justice in the decision making process. Therefore, in every action taken we must ensure that Rights and Justice are secured, as we continue to accelerate action in this regard.

In every sector, Women’s contribution to the growth and to national development continues to increase, whether in the professional sciences or in the delivery of care, and this has resulted in significant progress.

However, women’s rights domestically and worldwide continue to have setbacks, as discrimination, fewer opportunities, weaker legal protection systems and increasing rates of gender based violence are reported. In Guyana, there is a significant escalation in brutal murders and domestic violence perpetuated in our society, which speaks of a wider social decline for human lives. Sadly, only a few days ago the Union released a statement calling on the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding two 15 years old teenagers, one a young mother who had died, and another suffered violent stab wounds at the hands of her intimate partner.

It is essential to acknowledge that many of these situations arise from increased vulnerabilities and the fragmentation of family structures, exacerbated by the erosion of labour systems — including the weakening of collective bargaining frameworks and a growing judicial reluctance that once helped safeguard fair wages, decent work, and decent living standards for parents throughout Guyana.

Also, the GPSU advocates for Peace in war-torn societies were Women and Girls face unprecedented risks of physical and verbal abuse, if they dare to speak out or attempt to escape. Traumatic experiences such as sexual violence and torture are often present and used as weapons of warfare. Their human rights and dignity are eroded and basic necessities such as food, sanitation and healthcare are absent. To all women and girls in those situations the GPSU stands with you and echoes a call to the powers that be to end the carnage and restore stability and dignity. Through it all the men, women and children are left to mend their brokenness, bury their dead and try to rebuild. However, the psychosocial impact of all involved remains, where many suffer postpartum depression and anxiety from being on the battlefield, among others.

The catalysts for change, are rights and justice for all, particularly for women and girls, as we prepare for the future. There must be an end to discriminatory practices, enforcement of legal protection systems and harsher penalties for gender based violence.

The GPSU has advocated for the ratification of the ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work and Recommendation No. 206 which is an international standard, incorporating domestic violence as an overlapping feature in the work environment. Several correspondences to current and past Presidents of Governments of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana calling for this Convention and Recommendation to be ratified has so far yielded no results. Meanwhile, violence and harassment against women continue.

Despite the challenging circumstances of our world today, let this day remind us of the beauty, sacrifice and meaningful contributions of women and girls to our society. Warm greetings are extended for a Happy International Women’s Day 2026 as we stand in solidarity with each other.