Press Releases

Istanbul, Türkiye - At the 41st Session of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, held during the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Istanbul, Dr Vindhya Persaud, M.P., Minister of Human Services and Social Security and Member of the IPU Bureau of Women Parliamentarians, underscored Guyana’s commitment to advancing gender equality and improving access to justice for women and girls.

Addressing the Forum, Minister Persaud highlighted the disproportionate impact of rising global armed conflicts on women and girls, noting that many are subjected to violence, exploitation, and severe human rights violations. She reaffirmed that access to justice is a fundamental right and central to achieving gender equality.

The Minister outlined Guyana’s comprehensive roadmap to dismantle structural barriers and create an integrated, accessible system of support. This approach includes targeted allocation of resources to strengthen legislative and policy frameworks, improve reporting mechanisms, and expand access to essential services for survivors of violence.

Among the measures implemented, Minister Persaud cited the enactment of the Family Violence Act 2024, which expands the definition of violence and introduces both civil and criminal remedies. Additionally, amendments to the Sexual Offences Act have established a Sex Offenders Registry, alongside the development of policies addressing gender-based and family violence, harassment, and the establishment of specialised courts. She shared that public education initiatives continue to play a critical role in raising awareness of rights and available protections.

Minister Persaud also emphasised the role of digital transformation in enhancing access to justice, indicating that Guyana now facilitates 24-hour reporting and access to comprehensive support services through digital platforms.

She further drew attention to the success of Guyana’s “Hope and Justice Centres,” which provide survivors with integrated services, including reporting mechanisms, free medical care, legal and psychosocial support, survivor advocacy, and safe shelter, all within a single location.

Addressing economic empowerment, the Minister pointed to Guyana’s policy of promoting women’s autonomy through ownership and opportunity. She pointed out that 60% of Government-distributed house lots are owned by women, supported by continued investment in free education, economic empowerment programmes, and women’s integration into the formal economy.

However, the Minister cautioned that challenges persist, particularly in combating harassment and violence against women on social media. Despite existing cybercrime legislation, perpetrators often evade accountability through anonymity. She called on technology companies to partner with Governments to ensure safer digital spaces and justice for victims.

Minister Persaud stressed the urgent need for accountability, stating that impunity perpetuates violence. She also called for greater inclusion of women in peace processes, emphasising that women must not be relegated to the role of victims but empowered as leaders and agents of change.

Reaffirming Guyana’s longstanding advocacy for peace, the Minister concluded by reinforcing that achieving equality for women and girls, ensuring respect for their human rights, and guaranteeing their safety and access to justice are essential to building a progressive and stable world.

End.