Major plans for women to become skilled in several non-traditional trades were unveiled by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud during the WE LIFT 4, women empowerment exhibition.
The educational institution Nations Incorporated is among the various sponsors of the exhibition, described as Guyana’s largest women business expo.
During the open day ceremony at the National Aquatic Centre, on Saturday, Dr Persaud announced that through connections via the institution, City and Guilds, a United Kingdom Charity Organisation that offers skills development, will be one of the Ministry’s partners on the Women’s Investment and Innovation Network (WIIN).
Dr Persaud said that she and the Nation’s Senior Managing Director Pamela O’Toole both agreed this is a significant way to get more women technical qualifications and apprenticeships.
“I am looking at 100 farmers, 100 carpenters, 100 electricians and 100 painters and 100 masons – and they must all be women,” the minister said.
Women entrepreneurs that were part of the WIIN programmes are among the 250 businesses that are participating at the expo. Over 10,000 women are expected to get certification through the programmes offered this year.
Businesswoman Onica Lewis told the News Room that opportunities for women in technical fields are important. She has a concrete block-making company that is in operation for seven years and she said although it is a challenging field, she believes women can succeed.
“I find it very nice and I like the business. Knowing that it is a challenging business, I am a woman showing other women that they can do it,” Lewis said.
Additionally, the Ella Inc (Entrepreneurial Ladies Leading with Action), a multi-phase exploratory learning programme, is offering a workshop for young women. During the second day of the Expo, the young women with innovative business ideas who received scholarships for mentorship in Miami, USA, will be announced.
ENet, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Exxon Mobil, Demerara Bank Limited and several other public and private sponsors aid with ensuring the WE LIFT expo is free for all exhibitors, easing service fee costs and providing them with opportunities to network.
During Saturday’s ceremony, Demerara Bank Limited announced reduced interest rates for women- owned businesses and these women can utilise its Women of Worth promotion that provides credit financing for educational programmes, retirement plans and investment plans. This move will make access to finance for businesses that often struggle with getting capital, easier, Dr Persaud said.
Dr Persaud said partners that understand the government’s goal and support by providing the means are necessary for empowering and providing opportunities for women.
“Our government is ensuring women own their own homes, women have opportunities in health, women have opportunities and education and directly speaking to the Ministry of Human Services and social security, we have a laser-sharp focus on women and they’re all round development but a lot of what we do depends on partnership, and we’re always on the lookout for more partners so that you can do more,” the minister said.
