All-male Public Service Commission unacceptable
-National Commission on Women
Stabroek News
January 3, 2004
The composition of the newly appointed Public Service Commission (PSC) reflects a judgement that is unacceptable to Guyanese women according to the National Commission on Women (NCW).
The body in statement said that it is cause for deep concern that no woman has been deemed capable of contributing to the management of the Public Service.
According to the statement, policies must be framed which analyse and address positively the issues of concern to women public servants, since the Public Service comprises a larger number of women than men.
The NCW said that Guyana is committed to act accordingly in fulfillment of its international obligations and national commitments having ratified a number of conventions, most notably the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
It pointed out that in 1996, on the inauguration of the NCW, then President, Dr Cheddi Jagan stated that all state boards and commissions would comprise 33 1/3% female representation and added that Guyanese women deserve greater systematic representation for the contribution they are already making.
The body noted that the prevailing climate in Guyana as it strives to attain an acceptable level of stability in public affairs, urges empowerment, good governance and inclusiveness in the conduct of national affairs and therefore should address not only race issues but gender matters also.
It added that the PSC reflects continued tokenism at the national level to the aspirations of women who, under any circumstances, must be acknowledged as a vital, capable resource base for sustainable national development. After a two-year gap, the all-male PSC was appointed on December 30 following the conclusion of the required consultations.