GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Guyana has become the first Caribbean country to launch a National Gender Equality and Empowerment Seal, which it says is aimed at creating safe, inclusive and equitable work environments in both the public and private sectors.

“This gender seal is not merely a policy; it is an actionable programme where there are measurable indicators. We had to ensure that what we were doing would be tailored to both the public and private sectors, understanding the nuances that differentiate them. But at the same time, keeping the essence of the programme that would make every workplace a safe space,” Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, told the launching ceremony that was attended by various stakeholders as well as representatives from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Guyana now becomes the first country in the Caribbean to receive UNFPA’s support in addressing Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) through a national workplace certification programme, and Persaud said that advancing gender equality and ending gender-based violence require unified commitment across all sectors.

She said the seal goes beyond policy and translates into measurable, actionable standards that organisations must meet.

“We have taken a mega step today because we have managed to bring together two critical driving forces in our country— the private and public sectors,” Persaud said, stressing the need for meaningful engagement with individuals, acknowledging the diverse experiences of women, men and boys.

“We need to have our boys equally walk this path, too. When we speak of empowerment, and they hear it [empowerment], they should not only hear females. So, this is an extraordinarily powerful moment. And as we embark on this journey, it will change the way we assess ourselves.”

Persaud urged all participating sectors to embrace the seal with seriousness, consistency and genuine commitment, noting that workplace transformation cannot occur without continuous effort.

Turning to the broader issue of violence in Guyana, she cautioned against placing responsibility solely on any one agency or group. She called instead for a unified national approach.

“There is an expectation that the responsibility is entrusted to a particular agency or specific people. I want to say no. It cannot and must not be seen as this. It requires us to re-educate, re-imagine and re-dedicate ourselves. We need to work in unity to counter violence,” Persaud noted.