President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith, has underscored the need for women to be empowered in order to ensure greater inclusion in Guyana’s rapidly evolving economy.
Smith made the remarks at a National Stakeholder Consultation hosted by UN Women, in partnership with the Office of the Resident Coordinator, the British High Commission, and the Women and Gender Equality Commission, on July 18.
The event was held at the residence of the British High Commissioner under the theme, “Thirty Years of Action, Five Years to Deliver: Advancing Gender Equality for a Just Future.”
The consultation aimed to encourage meaningful dialogue surrounding gender equality and women’s rights, with a focus on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and resilience-building.
In her address, Smith highlighted that nearly half of the GCCI’s members are women-owned or women-led businesses.
She also pointed to key developments that are helping these businesses grow, including invoice factoring as a financing tool.
Smith further urged businesswomen to focus on structure and sustainability.
“If you want to be sustainable and enjoy longevity, you have to put yourself out there,” she said, adding that strong standards of service, sound operations, and effective marketing are all vital for business success.
Additionally, Smith emphasised the importance of women being empowered to take their rightful place at the decision-making table.
Furthermore, she reminded the gathering that Guyana is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and stated that continued dialogue is necessary to ensure all Guyanese—especially women—can benefit from the country’s growth.
