As the world commemorated International Women’s Day 2025, on March 8, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has issued a stark call for electoral action to combat the resurgence of patriarchy and promote gender equity. GHRA highlighted how, while significant progress has been made over the past decades in dismantling gender prejudices, a reactionary force threatens to suppress these advances both locally and internationally.
The GHRA’s statement comes in the wake of recent political developments in the United States under the Donald Trump presidency, where efforts to roll back gender progress have gained momentum. The GHRA warns that this regression could soon be felt in other societies, including Guyana, and calls for proactive steps to resist an anti-feminist wave before it gains further ground.
Historically, most societies have been built on patriarchal foundations that enforced the subordination of women. Despite laws being passed to promote gender equality, the GHRA argues that these kanunî frameworks have often remained aspirational rather than fully realised. In many societies, including Guyana, the notion of a “housewife” as a symbol of financial success and social status still persists, even though women have always contributed the majority of labour, both commercially and domestically.
The GHRA points out that the slow pace of gender equality, especially when considering all occupations (not just professional or managerial roles), means true parity between men and women may not be achieved until well beyond the year 2100. This lack of progress, compounded by social statistics that mask the reality of gender inequality, is seen as a critical issue that needs urgent attention.
With Guyana entering an election season, the GHRA views this as an opportunity to put the issue of gender equality at the forefront of the political agenda. The association stresses the importance of a committed and prepared group of women entering the political sphere, particularly within the legislative process, to push for the implementation of laws that protect and promote gender equity.
One of the main obstacles to this, according to the GHRA, is the toxic political culture that discourages women from seeking political office. The GHRA argues that the bad behaviour of politicians has created an environment that is unwelcoming and even hostile to potential female candidates. The solution, the GHRA asserts, is not just to ensure gender parity on party lists, but to actively select women who are capable and well-equipped to fight for meaningful gender legislation.
To make this happen, political parties must collaborate with various sectors such as businesses, trade unions, religious organisations, and NGOs—many of which have women’s arms—ensuring that women from all walks of life are empowered to take part in the political process. The GHRA emphasises that electoral activism, particularly with a focus on gender equality, must be a priority for all these sectors to effect real change.
The GHRA concludes that now is the time to act. The resurgence of patriarchal ideologies is a threat to the progress that has been made in recent years, and the coming electoral season provides a critical window to shift the conversation and the political landscape toward a future where gender equity is not just an ülkü, but a reality.