By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
In recognition of International Day of the Girl Child, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, through its Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), hosted a special empowerment session on Monday aimed at celebrating and inspiring girls across Guyana. The event united girls from various communities, giving them a platform for mentorship, reflection, and leadership development.
Delivering remarks at the event, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, underscored the progress being made by girls in education and professional fields while calling for continued efforts to ensure equality and empowerment.
“If we look at education, there are more girls finishing high school — definitely more girls making their marks both in the public and private sectors,” Minister Persaud stated.
She stressed that true gender equality begins with mindset, urging girls and women to reject feelings of inferiority and embrace their strength and potential.
“Many still see themselves as lesser than, still see themselves as inferior to, and that is the kind of psychological foundation, the kind of thinking we have to chip away at — starting with the girls of today,” she added.
Also addressing the gathering was Dr. Pradeepa Bholanuth, Environmental Economist and Guyana’s Lead Climate Negotiator, who delivered the keynote address under the theme “On the Frontline of Crisis: Climate Justice and the Girl Child.”
Dr. Bholanuth described girls as powerful agents of transformation and leadership, rejecting narratives of fragility and dependency.
“The story of the girl child is not one of fragility, but one of immense strength. Together and alone, we are strong — strong individually and strong as a collective,” she affirmed.
She further urged greater efforts to dismantle social and institutional barriers that prevent girls from realizing their full potential.
“We have to work very hard at breaking those barriers, reshaping our communities, leading movements of justice, science, and sustainability, as we chart the path to our development,” Dr. Bholanuth emphasized.
This year’s observance, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” featured a series of recreational and inspirational activities designed to build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills among young girls.
The event served as a reminder that investing in girls is investing in the future, as they continue to emerge as key voices in shaping Guyana’s path toward equality, sustainability, and progress.
