The Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) is saluting women in Guyana, the region and across the world on the celebration of International Women's Day today.

In a message, GAWL lauded the long awaited implementation of the Fundamental Rights provisions and Article 29 of the Constitution of Guyana which endorses equality for women and their participation in decision making.

But GAWL has expressed disappointment in the non-selection of women to the Police and Public Service Commissions and lamented that the Women and Gender Equality Commission has not yet been established.

GAWL also noted that there are numerous issues affecting women and of these, one which raises much concern is "the continued and it seems increased spate of violence against women (and children)."

The message pointed out that domestic violence is a societal problem rather than a woman's problem.

"The (GAWL) urges Guyanese to bear this in mind and to assist/counsel victims and perpetrators of domestic violence in an effort to prevent a possible tragedy."

The message referred to the recent Kitty fire which resulted from a domestic dispute and led to numerous losses by neighbours. GAWL urged all to "remember this tragic incident which underscores the far reaching consequences of domestic violence, affecting women, man, child, community and country."