Press Releases

The first session of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) convened on March 11, 2023, during the 146^th IPU Assembly being held in Manama, Bahrain.

Hon. Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud addressed the Forum, which focused on a Resolution from the IPU's Standing Committee on Peace and International Security - Cyberattacks and cybercrimes: The new risks to the global security.

The Hon. Minister and Member of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians shared with the gathering that digital technology has created a space for increased violence against women and girls via social media. She put forward that harmonisation of regional and global legislation and comprehensive national frameworks are necessary for eradicating violence.

Minister Persaud revealed that Guyana’s Cybercrime Act 2018 will be modernised with the assistance of the Ad Hoc Committee of the United Nations to become the model legislation of CARICOM. Further, all new legislation which focus on violence and harassment will cater for cybercrimes crimes.

An imatter app to improve reporting and a mechanism to remove anonymity will be implemented in Guyana to significantly reduce violence against women and girls.

The Hon. Minister underscored the importance of education, pointing to the coding programme for students at all levels in Guyana.

The Forum will continue to meet during the 146^th Assembly.

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