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March 11, 2026
Guyana has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing legislation and action to protect the rights of women and girls, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, Persaud said that “rights without justice are merely promises,” stressing the need for meaningful measures that ensure equal access to justice, opportunities and autonomy for women and girls.
She said barriers preventing women and girls from fully enjoying their rights must be systematically removed.
“This requires repeal of discriminatory laws and removal of structural inequalities and institutional hurdles. Justice must be accessible and affordable for women. There must be trust in judicial systems and legislation must be gender neutral, ensuring that women and girls have equal rights and protection,” Persaud said.
The minister noted that Guyana is strengthening legislative protections, promoting awareness of laws and rights, and training law enforcement officers to respond more effectively to gender-based issues.
She highlighted the 2024 Family Violence Act, which broadens the definition of violence and provides stronger criminal and civil remedies for survivors. Amendments to the Sexual Offences Act, including the establishment of a Sex Offenders Registry, are also aimed at enhancing protections for women and girls.
Persaud said social support systems are also being expanded through the establishment of one-stop Hope and Justice Centres, where survivors can report abuse and access medical care, psychological support, legal assistance and safe shelter.
She pointed to several achievements, including women now holding 39 percent of seats in Guyana’s Parliament, more than 50 percent serving as judges, and over 60 percent of house lots distributed by the government being allocated to women.
Guyana is also investing in women’s education, economic participation and their integration into the formal economy as part of broader efforts to strengthen women’s economic independence, Persaud added.
