Press Releases

For the women of the world, International Women’s Day is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. In recent decades, much progress has been made: women's access to education and proper health care has increased; their participation in the paid labour force has grown; and legislation that promises equal opportunities for women and respect for their human rights has been adopted in Guyana and many other countries.
The world, now, has an ever-growing number of women participating in society as policy-makers. In the early 2000s Guyana had approximately12-13 women in the National Assembly. In the Tenth Parliament that figure has almost doubled with 20 women MPs.
The 2010 Global Status of Women in Parliament Report ranked Guyana at 25th of 186 countries, with 30% of its Members of Parliament being female. This is no small achievement for a developing country and, as such, the National Assembly intends to continue honouring its women, both Parliamentarians and support staff, for their contributions to the National Assembly.
On March 8, 2012, International Women’s Day, the National Assembly hosted its first Appreciation Ceremony for Female MPs and support staff. At this event, the longest serving female MP and staff were presented with plaques in recognition of their sterling service.  All female members of staff and MPs were presented with certificates of appreciation.
To commemorate International Women’s Day 2013, the National Assembly will once again pay special tribute to all female MPs and members of staff. Ms. Gail Teixeira, M.P., and Mrs. Indranie Chandarpal, M.P., have been identified as the longest serving female Members of Parliament and will be specially honoured along with the longest serving female member of staff at a luncheon to be held at the Tower Hotel, Main Street, Georgetown on March 8, 2013 at 11:00 hrs.
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