The Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) today celebrated the achievements of women to social and economic development in Guyana and around the world. The ceremony, which was attended by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, was held on the lawns of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (Red House), High Street, Kingston.

The Prime Minister said that there is no question about the contributions that women have made over the years, noting that they have proven that they can play the role of housewife and mother, as well as leading professional roles in many spheres, with distinction.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster at the ceremony hosted by the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) at Red House, Kingston.

Meanwhile, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster spoke of the late Janet Jagan who was the founder of the WPO and Guyana’s first female executive president.

She credited the successes of the WPO to the strong founding principles that were laid by Mrs. Jagan. The Minister called on women to recognise their greatness and worth.

“We have helped in various ways to make our country what it is today and our contributions must be recognised,” Minister Webster said.

President of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), Indranie Chandarpal addressing the gathering at Red House

Member of the PPP Central Committee and Secretariat, Hydar Ally said that at 60 years old, the WPO is one of the oldest and strongest women’s organisations in Guyana.

He spoke of the leading role of women in the struggles for freedom and reminded that Mrs. Jagan was among one of the 16 most rebellious women of all times as recorded by the New York Times Magazine.

President of the WPO, Indranie Chandarpal coordinated a narrative to tell the story behind International Women’s Day and the struggles women globally, have had to overcome.

A section of the gathering at Red House

In Guyana, statistics indicate that there is a 32% composition of Parliamentarians; 30% Ministers of Government; 20.2% in Local Government; Amerindian Toshaos in Region One- 10%, Councillors 28%, Region 7 – Toshao 15% ,Councillors 39%; Region 9 Toshaos – 2% Councillors 35%. Women comprise 24% of the Regional Democratic Councils. In decision making positions, there is a woman Appellate Court Judge, a woman Solicitor General, 29% of Judges are women; 59% in the Magistracy and 24% of Permanent Secretaries are women.