Guyana observes World Population Day 2016; “Investing in Teenage Girls”

Guyana is joining the rest of the world in observing World Population Day (WPD) 2016 with the theme “Investing in Teenage Girls”.

Social Protection Minister, Volda Lawrence speaking at a symposium today said the theme “brings into focus all the issues pertinent to teenagers, the family, Gender issues, Social issues – teenage pregnancy, teenage abuse, use of drugs, the critical issue of education – early dropouts, poor performance, peer pressure, bullying and of course the inescapable reality of poverty.”

She believes these issues should be addressed with a focus on resolution pointing to the existence of the Gender Unit at her ministry which is responsible for sensitizing persons about gender issues and for providing a forum whereby boys and girls can access guidance and counseling if they encounter gender-related problems.

Lawrence reminded that “the Ministry of Social Protection, by its very name and nature bears responsibility for providing the socio-financial nets to cushion the vulnerable families in our society and by extension the teenagers who are part of these families. The investment in families comes in several forms – Social Assistance, vouchers and more importantly the POWER loan agreements and grants instituted to help single parents.”

Initiatives in progress geared at addressing  concerns related to teenagers include a Teenage Pregnancy prevention Pilot Programme and the Ministry is about to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with WAD to conduct a field study and run a programme for Teenage mothers and fathers this year in the Soesdyke/ Linden area and Wismar.