BY: ANTONIO DEY | HGP NIGHTLY NEWS |
As Guyana continues to grapple with rising incidents of gender-based violence, the Women and Gender Equality Commission is calling for complete and uncompromised enforcement of the Family Violence Act of 2024. The renewed call came Thursday during the third annual Conference on the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Strengthening Legal Protections for Women and Vulnerable Groups
Renata Chuckasang, Chief Executive Officer of the Women and Gender Equality Commission, said the reinforcement and implementation of gender-protection laws must be prioritized.
She emphasized the need to strengthen constitutional protections prohibiting discrimination based on sex, gender, marital status, and pregnancy.
“It must fully implement the Family Violence Act of 2024, the Sexual Offences Act,” she stated, underscoring the urgency of operationalizing legislation already on the books.
Conference Focus: Advancing Gender Equality by 2030
The Commission used this year’s conference to intensify public awareness efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination—particularly those affecting women.
Given Guyana’s status as a signatory to CEDAW, the 2024 conference is centered on developing a national roadmap to accelerate progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality by 2030.
Key Legislative Priorities Highlighted
Chuckasang outlined several legislative and policy priorities, including:
- Reinforcement of the Prevention of Discrimination Act, ensuring marginalized groups—such as LGBTQ persons—receive adequate protection.
- Enactment of a Sexual Harassment Bill to protect women in workplaces, public institutions, and digital spaces.
- Full implementation of the amended Family Violence Act, which allows police to:
- Enter premises without a warrant in suspected cases of violence
- Lay charges within 48 hours
- Address violence committed by any family member—not only intimate partners
The expanded provisions, she said, ensure that every individual facing abuse is supported and protected.
Calls to Remove Outdated, Discriminatory Laws
The Commission also highlighted the need to abolish discriminatory statutory provisions that perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes.
One example cited was passport application forms that require women — but not men — to produce a marriage certificate.
“I don’t think men are required to produce marriage certificates even though they say they’re married,” Chuckasang noted.
A National Push to Protect Women
The Commission maintains that meaningful progress will require not only strong laws but also consistent nationwide enforcement and education.
