In Guyana, as in much of the region and the world, sexism remains a pervasive issue. It is crucial to examine whether cultural practices and societal norms subtly reinforce discrimination against women. Sexism, defined as prejudice or discrimination based on sex or gender—primarily against women and girls—is often linked to entrenched gender roles and stereotypes, including the erroneous belief that one gender is inherently superior to another.
Are women in Guyana treated the same as their male counterparts? Is there a cultural belief that men are predestined to lead and assume certain roles? At a time when gender equality is being vocally advocated for, how much has truly changed from the era when women were primarily seen as mothers and homemakers? Despite women playing vital roles in Guyanese society for over a century, the real question remains: what have their struggles been like in a society historically driven by men?
This piece does not intend to criticize or demean men; rather, it aims to shed light on the challenges and dangers women face daily simply because of their gender, and how society often views them as weaker and less intelligent.
Women in Guyana serve as government ministers, headmistresses, bank managers, doctors, lawyers, clerks, and cleaners, to name just a few professions. Yet, societal views on women in these roles often reveal a glaring disparity. Women are not taken as seriously as men, evidenced by how some husbands trivialize their wives’ careers, referring to their jobs as “a little hold on,” despite the wives’ comparable education and professional qualifications.
It is common to hear opinions in Guyana that male lawyers are more effective in court than their female counterparts, reflecting an outdated belief that men are somehow more capable of delivering dynamic arguments. According to the Human Rights Channel, sexism not only fosters feelings of worthlessness and self-censorship but also leads to behavioral changes and deteriorating health, underpinning gender inequality and disproportionately affecting women and girls.
Consider these facts:
• 63% of female journalists face verbal abuse.
• In OECD countries, women spend twice as much time as men on unpaid housework.
• 80% of women have experienced “mansplaining” and “manterrupting” at work.
• In France, 50% of young women recently surveyed reported experiencing injustice or humiliation because of their gender.
Even with females in prominent judicial positions in Guyana, like the Acting Chief Justice and Chancellor, questions arise about whether the same standards apply as they would if these individuals were male. These are concerns that reflect underlying societal biases.
The spectrum of sexist behaviors in Guyana includes sexual harassment, threats based on gender, treating women as subordinates, and penalizing them for deviating from expected norms. There are also harmful attitudes towards victims of sexual assault, suggesting they are to blame based on their attire or behavior.
Addressing these issues requires extensive education and a shift in how we raise our boys, teaching them about equality and respect. It is essential to challenge and change the antiquated mindset that places women beneath men. We must strive for a society where all genders are respected and offered equal opportunities. Let us hold those who perpetuate sexism accountable and say, “Stop Sexism Now!”
