Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, during a virtual meeting of the Commonwealth Ministers for Women’s Affairs and Gender and Development on the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed that her Ministry would soon be funding projects for cottage industries led by women so that they can secure their livelihoods.
During her presentation, Dr. Persaud explained that the funding for cottage industries is among long term measures to be implemented against the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to have severe socio-economic repercussions on the lives of women.
“As a consequence of the partial lockdown, significant sections of the female working population are now unemployed or are receiving reduced pay, including single parents. Many women-owned small businesses are no longer operational, and women in the private care industry have lost their jobs because they can no longer work at the homes of their employers due to fear of COVID-19 transmission,” the Minister explained.
She further disclosed that the Government has instituted several measures to not only cushion the negative economic and social impacts, but that will guarantee sustained economic independence, reduce inequalities, and empower women throughout Guyana.
She noted that short-term measures being employed include the distribution of thousands of hampers and care packages targeting vulnerable communities across Guyana to bring immediate relief to families.
This is in addition to the $25,000 financial household stimulus programme that was recently announced by President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali to bring relief to every household in Guyana.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud – Photo Source: MHSSS
According to the Human Services and Social Security Minister, the administration is determined that there should be no reversal of hard-won gains and that the progress towards achieving empowerment for women and girls, and gender equality should continue.Additionally, the incidence of gender-based violence has increased during the past months.
“With more persons at home, there has been an upsurge in reported cases of domestic violence. The restrictions on in-person schooling have also seen more girls being exposed to abuse at home.”
In response, the Human Services and Social Security Minister highlighted that a virtual help desk to receive reports of domestic violence, child abuse cases, and requests for social assistance has been created.
A hotline number will also soon be launched to specifically receive reports on domestic violence and child abuse, while a Survivors Advocacy Programme is also being implemented to support women impacted by gender-based violence.
In addition, Minister Persaud reported that Guyana would soon benefit from the UN/EU funded Spotlight Initiative to address gender-based violence. Actions will be geared towards advancing changes in the prevention strategies and strengthening multi-sectoral responses to violence against women and girls.
“The shining light in this difficult period has been the outstanding contributions of women in response to the pandemic with many leaving their families daily to provide essential services to our population. My Government recently announced its intension to establish child care assistance for essential workers employed in both the public and private sectors,” Minister Persaud assured.
She added that despite the debilitating effects of the pandemic, the administration would continue to look ahead and work tirelessly to address gender inequality, empower women and girls, and ensure that their human rights and dignity are upheld.
[Extracted and Modified from DPI]
