‘Use your voices, create spaces’ – Minister Persaud urges women at ‘WeLift – 6’

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, is urging women across Guyana to use their voices, influence, and innovation to shape the country’s future and expand opportunities for other women and girls.

Speaking at the opening ceremony ‘We Lift – 6’ at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Friday, Dr Persaud said women are increasingly taking on powerful roles and contributing significantly to national development.

“Today we are seeing women occupying some of the most powerful seats of our country… we are also seeing them being part of so many other things, our legislation, our national programmes and so many other things,” Dr Persaud said.

She stressed that the push for equality must go beyond aspiration and become a tangible reality for women.

“We are determined to make sure that equality and equity do not be things that we dream of but things that become dreams into reality,” she said.

Dr Persaud also encouraged women and young girls to use their voices to advocate for others who may not have the same opportunities.

“Use your voices to amplify the cause, to speak for other girls like yourself who need positive influence and inspiration,” she urged.

According to Dr Persaud, women must also actively create opportunities and spaces where their ideas, perspectives and ambitions are recognized and valued.

“Use your voices to create spaces… to ensure our voices, perspectives and what we want to achieve become the kind of realities that are not seen as mere anomalies or tokens,” she added.

According to the minister, women are already making significant strides in sectors that are transforming Guyana and shaping global conversations.

“We are seeing women in our country in the fields that are transforming the country, in conversations that change the world,” Dr Persaud said.

She also noted that discussions surrounding women’s advancement must include critical areas such as financial independence, overcoming barriers, embracing digital technology, and innovating to unlock new opportunities.

The ‘We Lift’ Expo officially opens at 3:30 pm Friday, March 6, and will run until Sunday, March 8.

This year, over 460 women entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses at the expo, which is being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center at Liliendaal.