President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced that the government of Guyana has invested over $156 billion in women’s empowerment initiatives. This significant investment reflects the administration’s commitment to supporting women’s roles in national development across sectors such as agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship.

Background on the Investment

The investment in women’s empowerment is part of a broader strategy to enhance gender equality and economic opportunities for women. President Ali emphasized that women are the bedrock of Guyana’s transformation, highlighting their crucial contributions to the country’s growth and future.

Key Initiatives

Several key initiatives have been implemented to empower women:

• Agriculture Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme: This program has seen remarkable success, with women now owning and leading 65% of new agribusinesses. Initially aiming for 35% women ownership, the program has surpassed expectations, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting women in the agricultural sector.
• Education Opportunities: Over $30 billion has been invested in education, benefiting women significantly. For instance, 7,000 out of 9,000 graduates from the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) are women. Additionally, 50% of the latest graduating class at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) are women.
• Technical Education and Scholarships: Women have also benefited from technical education, with 10,000 graduating from various technical institutions. Almost 60% of recipients of the Hinterland Scholarship Programme are women, further enhancing their access to higher education.
• Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN): Thousands of women have gained valuable skills through the WIIN training program, enabling them to expand and prosper in their business ventures.

Impact on Women’s Roles in Society

The government’s investment in women’s empowerment has significantly enhanced their roles in society. Women are now playing critical roles in education, with over 4,000 of the 4,600 recently graduated teachers being women. This underscores their vital contribution to shaping the nation’s future.

Future Plans

As Guyana continues on its path of transformation, future investments will focus on supporting professional women, including the establishment of daycare facilities. This initiative aims to provide essential support to working mothers, ensuring they can balance their careers and family responsibilities effectively.

Conclusion

The $156 billion investment in women’s empowerment reflects the government’s recognition of women’s indispensable role in Guyana’s development. By providing education, economic opportunities, and support for entrepreneurship, the administration is fostering a more equitable society where women can thrive and contribute fully to the nation’s growth.