Grass roots women campaign for betterment
— hold political parties accountable for continued struggles
Kaieteur News
March 23, 2007
The continued struggles of grass roots women in Guyanese society is a direct reflection of the failure of political parties to fulfil obligations as stated in their manifestos during election campaigns.
This view was proffered by a network of women who, under the umbrella of the Red Thread Women's Organisation, have been voicing their concerns of the dilemma of grass roots women.
This move came as part of the 8th Annual Global Women's Strike 2007, which promotes women's rights action on or around International Women's Day, which is observed on March 8.
Under the theme “Invest in caring, not killing,” the group had streamlined a six-day campaign, which commenced last Sunday and was geared at securing the views of grass roots women countrywide regarding this societal problem.
At a press briefing held at the Red Thread's headquarters at Princess and Adelaide Streets, Charlestown yesterday, the group, comprising about 48 women, shared a compilation of views they derived.
In a joint statement, the women revealed that, based on a survey conducted by Red Thread, no one works more hours than grass roots women. They pointed out that the struggles of these women have no racial division.
“In all race groups, the typical working day for most women is 14 to 18 hours, with very little leisure or free time for themselves. Many women have workdays up to 21 hours, with most starting early in the morning.”
It was also noted that indigenous women account for some 50 per cent of the struggling women who, without access to basic utility services, are forced to pack their work into daylight hours.
“For all of the women, whatever their race, the working day stretches even longer when a child is sick and needs care throughout the night,” the statement added.
At yesterday's press briefing, the women lamented the inaction of women Parliamentarians which, they believe, is rooted in the obvious class division.
“All of us walk in fear that we may become victims of sexual violence or get blows at home, and all of us are disrespected by those who think that men should be in charge. They don't think that our weaknesses affect them, but they are wrong…If our rights are not respected as women, theirs will never be.”
And, according to the groups, the implementation of the Value Added Tax has had no small impact on the “starvation incomes” garnered by such deprived women, which they compared to the meagre pension - $3,500 – which is paid to pensioners on a monthly basis.
The recent dilemma of women vendors, who were among those persons evicted from the Stabroek Market Square , was also highlighted at yesterday's forum and regarded as a threat to their livelihoods.
The efforts of the Red Thread and Consumer Advocate Ms Eileen Cox were lauded.
“We cannot depend on Parliamentarians, political parties, or other leaders, because our needs as grassroots women are never their priority. We cannot depend on the trade unions, who show no respect for how hard and long women work. We have to depend on ourselves…We have to build a strong movement for all, in spite of our differences, beginning with age, disability, political party, and race.”
In this regard, the network of women have decided to relate their views to Parliamentarians, highlighting promises which were made in their respective parties' manifestos; and with the use of a report card technique, they will note what has been done and what is yet to be done to improve their livelihoods.
And should this issue not be addressed in a timely manner, the women pointed out, they may be forced to implement additional measures. (Sharmain Grainger)