By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
The Government of Guyana has launched a landmark initiative to strengthen gender equality, reduce discrimination, and improve workplace protections nationwide.
The National Gender Equality and Empowerment Seal, introduced on Wednesday, is a joint effort of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, and the Ministry of Public Service and Government Efficiency and Implementation.
The programme aims to provide clear standards and measurable indicators to help workplaces eliminate gender-based discrimination, improve fairness, and strengthen systems that protect employees.
“It Must Be Merit-Based” – Minister Persaud
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said the Seal is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a tool to drive measurable change within work environments.
“We need to let men and women know that it must not be because it is a quota system that you get your space and place. It must be on merit,”
the Minister stressed.
Dr. Persaud said that a nation’s progress can be measured by how empowered its citizens are, and by the strength of leadership in promoting equality.
Workplace Inequality Still a Major Challenge
Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Komal Griffith, said Guyana is evolving rapidly, and workplaces must keep pace. He highlighted significant challenges still facing workers today.
“Women still face higher unemployment, discrimination, and increased harassment.
Men in low-wage sectors often endure unsafe conditions.
Single parents, youth, migrants, and other vulnerable groups continue to struggle quietly,”
Griffith explained.
He added that the Seal aligns with the Government’s 2020 manifesto commitments to strengthen labour systems, advance social justice, and expand protections across all sectors.
“Discrimination Is Unacceptable Everywhere” — Minister Ali
Minister of Public Service and Government Efficiency, Zulfikar Ali, said the Seal reinforces the country’s message of zero tolerance for discrimination.
“We all have to make sure this Seal is known widely and publicly—for what it represents,”
he noted.
Ali said Guyana has made significant progress in increasing women’s workforce participation, but much more must be done to ensure equality in both the public and private sectors.
Part of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign
The launch formed part of Minister Persaud’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, emphasizing the need to eliminate violence not only in homes but also in workplaces nationwide.
The Seal seeks to create safer, fairer, and more inclusive workplaces that support the well-being of all employees.
