Guyana has been elected to the executive body of the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) of the Organisation of American States (OAS) for the first time in 24 years, marking a significant return to the hemispheric gender equality forum, a release said.
The election took place at the CIM’s 40th Assembly of Delegates in Washington, D.C., the Commission’s highest decision-making body focused on advancing women’s human rights and gender equality across the Americas.
The assembly brought together ministers and senior gender officials to shape regional policy priorities, with emphasis on strengthening women’s economic autonomy and labour market inclusion.
Guyana’s election to the executive committee places it alongside three other CARICOM member states, expanding regional presence within the body for the 2026–2029 term. Uruguay will chair the newly elected committee.
Guyana had last served on the Commission 24 years ago.
Leading the country’s delegation was Minister of Human Services and Social Security Vindhya Persaud, who served as principal delegate at the Washington meeting.
Persaud, who has led domestic initiatives on gender advocacy and social protection, represented Guyana in discussions aimed at positioning the Caribbean as a stronger voice in hemispheric policy formulation.
Her role will include engaging in the Commission’s work on economic equity, digital inclusion and women’s advancement into leadership roles, as member states seek to deepen regional cooperation on gender policy.
Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud
