Women supplement e paper 03 08 2017

A Guyana Chronicle publication in tribute to women

‘Women can do it’ Page 21

… First Lady urges greater self-belief, determination

#BeBoldForChange ...

‘Women of Kaieteur’ embraces IWD, and fearlessly

Page 20

The ever-evolving role of the woman

Page 19

Remembering the indomitable Kowsilla

Page 18

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Remembering the indomitable Kowsilla --Heroine of the sugar industry

THE heroic and self-less sacrifice by Kowsilla, also known as Alice, was recalled on Monday on the occasion of her 53rd Death Anniversary.

According to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), Kowsilla was a humble housewife and an active member of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO).

On March 06, 1964, outside the Leonora Factory gate, she squatted with striking sugar workers who were protesting against their being denied work, and at the same time highlighting their call for the recognition of GAWU.

The then General Manager of the Estate instructed a “scab”, who was driving a tractor at the time, to traverse the bridge where the workers were squatting, thereby causing Kowsilla’s death and serious injury to 14 others.

Ever since that fateful day, Kowsilla’s name and sacrifice has become known across the sugar industry, and among workers generally and other Guyanese.

A YEARLY EVENT The commemoration is a yearly event, and she has been regarded as a heroine of sugar workers.

Monday’s activity saw

scores of persons participating in a march from in the vicinity of the Leonora Government School to the Anna Catherina Cemetery where Kowsilla is interred.

At the cemetery, wreaths were laid on her tomb, and tributes were paid by GAWU General Secretary, Seepaul Narine; President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Carvil Duncan; WPO President, Indra Chandarpal; Ganga Persaud, Central Committee member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP); Randy Seecharan, member of the Groenveldt Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) Group; and

A parade was part of the observances

Julius Faerber, Regional Chairman of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

According to GAWU, all the speakers drew at-

tention to the current proposals being considered by the government for the sugar industry, and opined that should such proposals be ad-

opted, there would be severe repercussions and harsh consequences for the workers and their families and the many sugar communities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

The ever-evolving role of the woman SHE would wake up early in the mornings, before the rest of the house, to ensure that breakfast is ready for the kids, and that her husband has lunch to take with him as he heads out to work.

When the morning’s rush is over, she commences her household chores; maybe makes a trip to the market, pay some bills, and generally ensure that everything is well prepared for the return of her family.

This is more or less the traditional role of women, who’re expected to ‘stay

journey to the top.

As recent as 2015, it was reported that generally, women are still earning 80 cents to every dollar a man makes. In the especially male-dominated industries, they are still ignored and ridiculed.

Yet these women, mothers and homemakers, bring it all together and make everything possible, proving themselves time and time again.

NO EASY TASK “But it is not easy,” Rox-

Wings Aviation Managing Director, Roxanne Reece

home and mind baby’.

In early western culture, women were not allowed the right to higher education; they were not allowed to earn, and her every move had to be sanctioned by her husband.

Nowadays, one dares not make the mistake of bunching all women in the same housewife category. They better not declare before the modern woman that her place is in the kitchen!

A STRONGER MARCH Globally, women are making a stronger march towards the access of power, whether that means the enactment of women- friendly legislation, access to higher education, or entrepreneurship.

Right here in Guyana, the trends can be seen where women are outdoing men.

Just last week, University of Guyana lecturer, Dr Eric Phillips described women coming out of the institution as becoming more successful and doing better than men.

He said, “They seem to be more focused, and they seem to take calculated risks and are more dedicated when involved in entrepreneurship.”

This, however, is despite the numerous challenges that women face during their

anne Reece told the Guyana Chronicle. The wife, family woman, and one of the leading businesswomen in local aviation, Reece is the Managing Director of Wings Aviation, parent company of Fly Jamaica, which successfully operates scheduled international flights.

Reece is a front-runner, and has been ever since her company’s humble beginnings. She manages its day-to-day affairs, maintaining its positive image and ensuring it stays true to its promise of ‘First-class service anywhere on board’.

Reece is of the opinion that women in positions of authority are often ignored, and that their input is not taken seriously. This is never more obvious than in the field of aviation, for instance, which is a difficult field.

“It is male-dominated and white-dominated. So when you put into the equation a woman, and a black woman, it is 200 times more difficult, so you have to be 200 times better than a man,” she said.

Reece is especially proud of the fact that she was able to play an instrumental role in the growth of her family’s business. She is especially proud also of the fact that the company’s greatest achievement is being able to perform any task within the in-

dustry, namely: The service and maintenance of aircraft, piloting the machines, and training individuals in the various fields, including the training of flight attendants.

A FRESH ENERGY In the world of fashion, Sonia Noel has taken Guyana by storm. She didn’t just bring a fresh energy to

that creative aspect of Guyanese culture, but she brought hope, for especially young people who are increasingly seeking fame and fortune in the field of art.

Noel seems to have a special way with young people.

Many seemingly gravitate to her as one does to a big sister or even a mother figure they can turn to for advice and

inspiration.

She is a passionate, industrious and creative artist who is proud to draw on her Afro-Amerindian roots to create a brand that is uniquely Sonia Noel. She has showcased her work across the Caribbean and in international quarters such as Miami, New York, Canada and England, thereby

providing avenues for young Guyanese to gain exposure.

Her Sonia Noel Foundation has partnered with many agencies to create programmes promoting women and young people. Just days ago, the Foundation hosted its annual ‘Women in BusiTurn to Page 21

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

#BeBoldForChange...

‘Women of Kaieteur’ embraces IWD, and fearlessly

By Jasmaine Payne

IT IS fitting that among the focus for International Women’s Day would be the slogan, #BeBoldForChange, as this represents the ultimate goal for women of the 21st Century.

So says co-founder of Women of Kaieteur, Roianne Nedd, who is using her organisation’s platform to help women to achieve this goal as they continue to work toward breaking down the barriers to equality.

‘Women of Kaieteur’ is an organisation based in London and founded by Roianne and several other UK-based Guyanese, which aims to unite Guyanese women around the world so as to boost em-

ployment and enterprise.

The organisation is still reeling off from the success of its book, 50 Women: 50 Years, which was launched on February 25 and highlights the work of 50 influential women of Guyanese heritage, both in Guyana and abroad.

Now, ‘Women of Kaieteur’ has added to its portfolio an Online learning platform as part of its membership, which enables women to seek personal and professional development without interrupting the delicate balance of work and home life.

“Even in the most progressive societies, women still take on the majority

Roianne and Mala handing over a copy of ‘50 Women: 50 Years’ to High Commissioner of Guyana in London, Mr Hamley Case

of traditional roles, and are still expected to juggle those more pastoral responsibilities with the lure of a career and further education.

“At ‘Women of Kaieteur’, we recognise that change would only come from something different and through innovation; which is why we have launched an Online learning platform,” Roianne said.

TODAY’S WORLD Looking at the world today, Roianne said that despite some advancement, one of the biggest inequalities that women still face globally is that of equal pay, and it is this issue that she believes needs to be addressed more than any other with regard to women’s rights.

“Why do women still earn less on the dollar than men? Statistically, women spend at least 70% of their income on the family and home compared to men, who spend approximately 40%, therefore helping women.

“So, earning equal amounts stands to benefit everyone,” Roianne said.

But the issue of domestic violence is also a burning issue on the charts. Guyana has been plagued with this social ill for years, but Roianne acknowledges that this is not the only country with alarming rates of violence against women and girls.

“It needs to stop!

‘Women of Kaieteur’ wants to not only empower women, but also educate and challenge the stereotypes and ways of thinking that make boys and men think that it is acceptable to hit girls and women.

“We want to disrupt

the dysfunction and break the cycle!” she said.

Outside of planned advocacy initiatives in this area, ‘Women of Kiaeteur’ continues to contribute to the narrative of promoting women empowerment in other ways.

Apart from the launch of ‘50 Women:50 Years’, the organisation has also held engagements with the High Commissioner of Guyana in London, Mr Hamley Case to receive his support in promoting activities that engage the Diaspora to help empower women and girls in Guyana.

“We have launched the book donation drive to get at least one copy of our book into every secondary school in Guyana, and we have launched our membership proposition in the UK, welcoming both men and women from different cultures to be part of the change management process to unlock progression for Guyanese women and girls,” Roianne said.

A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE The organisation’s co-founder said that the launch of its first book has been well received, and described it as a humbling experience, to see the impact that the book has had on women.

“Women who read the book have been so supportive and complimentary of each other, and have been so proud to be able to tell their stories.

“Some people have given negative feedback because of the fact we included “less positive” stories such as survivors of domestic abuse, but we felt it was important to represent all stories, especially since domestic

Women of Kaieteur’ Director, Mala Bheem (right) and its Co-Founder, Roianne Nedd

violence is so prevalent in our society,” she said.

The aim of ‘50 Women:50 Years’ is to give rise to the voice of Guyanese women, since, at the time of compiling the information, the organisation felt not enough was being done to highlight the strong independent voices rallying for gender equality.

Seeing the response of this publication, ‘Women of Kaieteur’ is now embarking on another venture to produce a book with a similar aim. The next book, ‘60 Women; 60 Businesses’ will focus on the stories of 60 female business owners, and will promote the successes of these women as well as the benefits of entrepreneurship.

“As an entrepreneur myself and knowing many women running businesses of various sizes,” Roianne said, “I wanted to share their stories and words of advice with all the people who are think-

ing of starting their own business.”

The organisation has launched its application form on its website, womenofkaieteur.org and welcomes submissions from Guyanese businesswomen far and wide.

Roianne hopes that this upcoming book will also provide an automatic advertising opportunity, as the women will inevitably talk about their businesses.

In the coming months, Guyana will see more from the organisation through a planned conference in Georgetown, the aim of which is to highlight career paths and opportunities that women can embark on. Other planned initiatives include finding ways to provide health and fitness advice and information for women, as well as developing a workshop on how to use writing as a route to healing and self-love.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

‘Women can do it’

--First Lady urges greater self-belief, determination GUYANA’S First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, has been the embodiment of women’s empowerment long before this administration took office.

However, the platform of First Lady has placed her front and centre in the advancement of female enfranchisement as leaders in today’s society, and her work has been a continued reflection of her passion for the rights of women and girls.

Now, as the world celebrates International Women’s Day, once more, the First Lady encourages women to recognise that they can achieve their greatest goals, so long as they believe it.

In an interview this week with ‘Today’s Woman’, the First Lady said that she believes it is important for women to recognise their own value and to demand equal access to opportunities that are before them.

“There is nothing in the world to say that women can’t do these things,” the First Lady said. “Women need to know they are important, and that they deserve the same chance.

Every child deserves the same chance, and it starts from education, right up.”

SOUND BACKGROUND In fact, the First Lady’s own background is one which stands on a firm platform built on sound education, and which reflects her belief that women should strive to their highest.

After graduating from St. Joseph High School, the First Lady worked at Radio Demerara as a Script Director and Traffic Supervisor.

Years later, Mrs. Granger completed her Degree in English Literature at the University of Guyana, and later earned a second Degree in Portuguese.

She taught at the Department of Modern Languages for some time, after which she was awarded a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, where she received her Masters in Latin American Studies, which focuses on politics, history and anthropology. The First

The work of the First Lady focuses on the empowerment of women and girls in Guyana

Lady was also employed at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat as a Senior Programme Manager before going into retirement.

It was some years later that she joined her husband on the campaign trail in his bid for the office of President of Guyana.

Now, as First Lady of Guyana, Mrs. Granger uses the auspices of her office to undertake initiatives aimed at promoting the empowerment of women and girls in Guyana.

SELF-RELIANCE

One such initiative is her Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop, which has been taken to women all across Guyana within the past year since its establishment. The Initiative has seen the training of over 300 women from all ten administrative regions in entrepreneurial skills, a move that encourages them to use the skills they have to ensure their own economic advancement.

Managed by facilitating company, Interweave Solutions, these week-long sessions provide training for women in business.

“At the end of it, I always try to ensure that the participants come out with what I call a bankable certificate. So the certificate the women get at the end of that is recognised by the Small Business Bureau, and by the lending agencies that would give loans or grants to people who apply for those kinds of support from them,” the First Lady said.

Since the earliest observances of Women’s Day in the 1900s, among the concerns that women have fought for was equality in the workplace. And, in light of this year’s theme, “Wom-

en in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50: 50 by 2030” with the hashtag #BeBoldForChange, focus on women’s rights in the workplace, and ensuring that they are afforded equal opportunities has become paramount.

The First Lady believes that while significant strides have been made in the workplace with regard to equality, some areas still remain uneven.

“Some places have allowed the females in the workforce to move ahead, but it is not across the whole economic sector,” she said.

“We did have a large number of women in the 70s going out and training to be plumbers and masons and electricians and that kind of thing.

“And through the GDF and the National Service, I know quite a few mechanics and women were trained in the so-called non-traditional skills. So there was some movement then; but I would like to see it happening again.

“I don’t see so many women in the non-traditional sectors, and, if you think about it, this is where the money is.”

SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE In light of this year’s IWD theme, and the crucial time when opportunities are within our grasp, the

One of First Lady’s core initiatives is her Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshops. Here, the First Lady is pictured with one of the most recent batch of entrepreneurs who were trained from Kildonan East Berbice-Corentyne, Region Six

First Lady also believes that the hashtag, #BeBoldForChange holds special significance, particularly for Guyanese women.

Touching on her memories of when she was a young adult in the 1970s, the First Lady said that she recalls that women were bolder, but that somehow, things have changed.

“Here in Guyana, I do not think that our young women are as bold as we were then, because we felt that we could do anything we wanted; that we could go to parties by ourselves.

“We didn’t need anybody to carry us; we could have gone home by ourselves because we had our money, and we would go in a group, have fun and go home,” she said. Asked what she thought the reason was for this change, the First Lady said that her impression was that, perhaps, it could be certain restrictions or social perceptions that contribute to some hesitancy for today’s women.

“They may have the trappings of professionalism and things to show that they work for a good salary, but, somehow, I have found that... and my interpretation might be off, but I listen to them and I am sometimes concerned.

“But I don’t know if it is because of their own environment, or society has changed to the extent where people feel that women are part of the decorative background,” she said.

And this is why she believes that empowerment remains paramount, and why women need to be reminded of their worth and their ability to achieve anything they set their minds to.

‘SPEAK UP!’ What is more, she said that to be bold means that women must speak up about things that affect them, be it inequality, abuse, or any other issue.

“Women have to become confident in themselves; that is the key to it. They must believe in themselves and in their own strength, and make decisions on their own; and that Turn to Page 22

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Keeping fit for a change BY the time most working women meet a certain age, they begin leading double lives; that is, they have families, and must still balance their working lives while finding time for themselves.

Finding time for yourself is important. Even women who don’t place as much importance on beauty and fitness still need to find ways to ensure that they stay active, in order to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Here are some ways in which the working woman can stay fit, even within her busy schedule: Stay active throughout the day Take a short walk during your lunch break; take short breaks every half-hour, where you walk around for a minute and then get back to your desk. The key is to keep moving rather than staying at your desk all day, only to get up for bathroom breaks.

Never focus on weight loss If you just focus on reducing the numbers on your scale, then ultimately you will land up gaining pounds. Instead, your goal should be to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle, by eating the right foods and practising the right exercises.

Eat a good breakfast A proper diet is one of the main goals of staying healthy. Today, people get so caught up in the rush, that many persons opt out of breakfast on a daily basis. But a good breakfast can get you off to an energised start.

Drink lots of water It’s no secret that this is a tip for healthy living. Drinking enough

--Fitness tips for women on the go

water is very essential for the proper functioning of your body.

Keep drinking water at regular intervals, so that you don’t de-hydrate yourself.

Create an exercise pattern Choose an exercise pattern, according to your schedule, that is at least 20 minutes long and includes walking or running. If you do this at least twice a week, it can help tone your entire body over time.

Keep an eye on your heart rate Women should work out at 75-85% of their maximum heart rate. When your heart rate is too low, it’s a sign that you’re not working to your full potential. Too high a rate, on the other hand, shows that you’re pushing yourself to a potentially dangerous level. Keep a heart rate monitor on hand to ensure that the rate is just right during heavy activity.

Stock up on healthy snacks Even if you are in the habit of snacking throughout the day, healthy snacks at home can help balance it out. So, stock up on all the healthy snacks, which can very well help you fight off diseases.

Be flexible Trying to stick to a routine may times. So, if you have dedicated workouts and something comes Just ensure that you make up for convenient.

get impossible at your mornings to up, don’t panic! it at a time more

Pay attention to how you sit If you’re sitting, you may find it most comfortable for your monitor to be at or even slightly above eye level. This helps you look straight ahead without requiring a downward head tilt, which often leads the rest of the upper thoracic into a slumping pattern, especially if you’re not vigilant and you’re prone to lapsing back into bad habits. This simple habit change will go a long way in ensuring reduced back, neck and shoulder aches that are so common among the cubicle crowds.

Pre-workout snack is important Munching on an energy bar before the gym can actually give you energy. Bananas are a good snack, as they tend to digest super quickly, and also provide the necessary energy.

‘Women can do it’ is what will take them forward,” she said.

And, with women making up half of the country’s population, it is impossible to ignore their needs. “I talk about breaking the glass ceiling, because sometimes, to this day, people still think of women being confined to

particular fields of employment. We still have people who believe that the mother should stay home,” the First Lady said, when in fact, working actually broadens their experiences.

“Women also bring a different perspective to everything,” she said, adding:

“I am not saying employ them just for the sake of employing women; I want to know that these people are doing their jobs, and they also bring a women’s perspective.

“But we are holding up our own development, because we are not recognising

and utilising the skills and talents of half of our populations, hence this idea of gender parity.”

The First Lady also provides assistance for teenage mothers who wish to go back to school.

“We help them to go back and complete their

CXCs, and I am very happy to say that some of those young ladies have seen beyond that, and are thinking of professional life and what profession they want to take up after they would have finished,” she said.

But to her mind, the most important aspect is allowing

From Page 21 these vulnerable women to see their potential, and to see a future for themselves that can allow them to become

successful.

She attested that some of these young women also go on to participate in other programmes that have similar benefits.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Life at the helm

By Vishani Ragobeer

JACKIE Benn-Ralph, Principal of Queen’s College, has been in the teaching profession for 30 years, starting at the Vryman’s Erven Community High School in Berbice and now heading the highest ranked secondary institution in Guyana.

Educated at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and later at the University of Guyana, where she obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, Ms Benn began teaching English Language and Literature (otherwise known as English A and B), Social-Studies and later Sociology.

During the course of her career as a teacher, there was always a flame for leadership burning inside her. Eventually, she became the Deputy Principal and later Principal of the New Amsterdam Multilateral School.

In 2012, however, she was appointed Principal of Queen’s College.

THE TRANSITION Transitioning from the New Amsterdam Multilateral School to Queen’s College was no challenge at all for the Principal, since, as she recounted, her previous school was also known for producing excellent results at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, and at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

However, she learnt that the culture of Queen’s College was deep-rooted. “It’s a swim-or-sink environment here,” the educator said, jok-

ing that she had to learn this culture and how to adapt quickly.

But the teachers, especially those that have been around for some time, were very receptive and enthusiastic about her arrival.

While many might have crumbled under the pressure of expectancy that comes from being at the helm of a top institution, Ms. Benn said, “I was accustomed to committing and dedicating time to my work.”

FIVE-YEAR-PLAN She also had an ace up her sleeve, a five-year plan which culminates at the end of this academic year, and guided her in managing the school.

“The only goal I have not achieved is fixing the field,” Ms Benn noted.

The Queen’s College playing field has been neglected for many years and would have fallen into a state of dilapidation. However, she envisions that soon, this field will be refurbished and made into an all-weather track so that not only her students, but other students in Georgetown can benefit.

Also within her five-year plan is the upgrading of the school’s infrastructure, which was another significant challenge. “I set about ensuring rehabilitation was done,” Ms Benn attested, and since her arrival, the school’s infrastructure has been revamped and several additions have been made (or are being made) in an effort to improve the students’ school lives.

For this Principal, students and their troubles are never a bother, and she never views a matter relating to her

QC Principal, Ms Jackie Benn-Ralph

students as a challenge. “I love children,” she said.

She has worked tirelessly to ensure that each year, Queen’s College students excel in academics and in the co-curricular activities.

Since her arrival in 2012, Queen’s College students have been actively taking part in many co-curricular activities, in and out of school, and excelling in these areas.

Notably, under her watch, Queen’s College took part in the 2016 Children’s Float Parade, and earned third place; this was the first time the school entered this competition.

In the academic realm, she said that Queen’s College has always been known to obtain the Regional CSEC prizes each year, and while she endeavoured to keep that consistency, her aim, too, in her five-year plan is to have her students cop the Regional CAPE prizes also.

RECORDBREAKING

Knowing her place is...

From Page 24 wasn’t until she was asked what difference she could make as managing director that it fully hit home.

“I didn’t expect it, but here we are nine years later,” she expressed. Now, she wants nothing better than to see other women aspire to and achieve being in more executive positions.

Given all the developments that have been made for women over the years, Harper is glad that many obstacles that were once there have been overcome,

notwithstanding changes that still need to be made.

“I do believe the new generation is way, way ahead of the game than we are. The fact that there are more women in university than men, worldwide; the fact that we’re obviously in jobs, we’re getting higher and higher,” she said, adding that it’s now the role of those women who have made it to not only be shining examples to those upcoming ones, but to lend a helping hand whenever

and wherever they can.

“I think it’s incumbent upon women in higher positions to ensure that they mentor as many young women as possible, to know that they have to be a shining example of what women should aspire to become.

We have to understand that we have roles to play; to let women know that sometimes, we can’t do it all. Leave time for yourself; friends and family are very important!”

In 2015, the school broke that barrier when Cecil Cox became the first Queen’s College student and the first Guyanese to earn the Best CAPE performer for the Caribbean.

Aside from excelling regionally, she also recounted that two more of her goals were to recruit more qualified teachers and develop the technical vocational programme

--of one of Guyana’s top schools at the school.

Both those goals were achieved, and she said that since her arrival, Electrical and Electronic Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology have been added to the CSEC programme, and technical vocational subjects at the CAPE level were offered as an option.

“I believe that QC should set the trend,” Ms Benn underscored, while explaining that when the examinations’ council introduced new subjects, she ensured that her students were given the opportunity to try them.

At this year’s examinations, her students will be writing Portuguese, Integrated Mathematics, Green Engineering, Gaming Animation and Design and Financial services for the first time.

“I must give credit to my teachers,” Ms. Benn said.

“They are always behind me.” She also said that much of her work is made easier since, at Queen’s College, parents and even general

members of the public are also very co-operative.

While executing her duties as the principal, Ms. Benn has not abandoned her love for teaching, and finds the time to teach Sociology, Units One and Two, to Sixth Form students.

She highlighted that although there have been many opportunities for her to leave Guyana and practise her profession elsewhere, she believes that she can stay here and help develop her beloved country.

Looking back on her many years as an educator also, the principal highlighted, “Women are very critical for this profession; we can adapt to changes easily, which is important when dealing with children and young adults.”

She added while extending warmest International Women’s Day greetings, “We are nurturers, and we are very effective in the socialising; even our male students.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

‘Knowing her place is at the head table’ --ANSA McAL’s Beverley Harper on the making of a successful businesswoman

By Tamica Garnett “FOR this world to continue, it’s important that we have a place at the head table. We need to be there at the head table,” says Beverley Harper, who is certainly leading by example when it comes to knowing where her place is.

“Women have an all-encompassing view,” she says.

“If you only believe that men should be in control, then you’ll never be fully in control, because you will never fully understand the whole.”

Harper is the inaugural Country Manager of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies here in Guyana.

She firmly believes that women understanding their worth is key to surviving in

what is still essentially “a man’s world”, especially in Guyana’s world of business.

In Guyana, women make a strikingly low number of management positions, and are even less represented when it comes to being on the Board of many high-level companies. Some companies have as few as one to three women, or none at all.

“I’m nearly always the only woman on the Board,” Harper said. “I don’t think they do it deliberately; I think they don’t even realise and recognise the groups they choose directorship from, they are all ‘OldBoys Clubs’.”

BUCKING TRENDS Harper stands as a beacon; one of those women who managed to break the proverbial “glass ceiling”,

and make a longstanding career in an executive position in Guyana.

She was recently promoted to the Country Manager position. This came after nine years as the company’s Managing Director.

It is because of her worth that the company decided to create the position, and appoint her to it. The company simply felt that she was “too valuable an asset to go off into the sunset.” So, when she handed over the Managing Director reins to Troy Cadogan a few months back, she took on an even bigger role in the conglomerate.

The German-born businesswoman, who has Guyanese roots on her father’s side of the family, is a woman who is never afraid to assert her authority and

The ever-evolving ... ness’ activities.

Noel is also a Motivational Speaker, and believes that women should set an example for others to follow.

A case in point is the recent appointment of females to act in the country’s highest judicial offices. “I thought it was quite appropriate, being that we are in the month of March to mark this accomplishment,” Sonia said.

She feels the appointment of the women is great inspiration for young female lawyers who may not have

thought of seeing women at the helm of the judicial system.

CHANGING THE GAME There are women who are changing the norm and breaking barriers, and there are those who are still trying to make a way for their families.

Of course, not all women are lucky enough to remove themselves from certain negative situations. Women are constantly at risk of abuse

from all sections of society, especially when they come from broken, poverty-stricken homes.

These women must not be forgotten, says local dancehall artiste, Shaundelle “JP” Alleyne. The 30-yearold artiste who hails from the Greater Georgetown community of Sophia understands what it means to “struggle”.

Alleyne has just one child, but is finding it very difficult being a single parent. She said she has always known her mother as a single

Beverley Harper

demand the kind of respect that she deserves.

“I like to state that I have three Es in my name, but that doesn’t mean that I’m that easy,” Harper joked as she reflected on what it means to be one of the few women in Guyana to make it as far as she has.

As a woman, she recalls

From Page 19 parent and knows what must be done to care for her own child.

“I’m a single parent, and I do any job possible. I do cement work, anything it takes to take care of that one child,” “JP” said.

She’s collaborating with one of Guyana’s sauciest Soca artistes, Michelle “Big Red” King, on an inspirational Soca song dedicated to women. The song and video will be released today in commemmoration of International Women’s Day.

having to “put people in their place” once when she felt she was being disregarded.

“I had to assert myself once,” she said, adding: “Funny enough, I read shortly thereafter that it frequently happens to women; where you talk but you’re invisible.

“Didn’t realise how much it was until it happened to me one time in a meeting. I ventured an opinion with an idea, and we moved on.

“Then, 15 to 20 minutes later, a man reiterated what I said, and it was almost as though I hadn’t spoken.

“So I said, ‘Excuse me, if you are going to quote me, you will do me the courtesy of stating: As Beverley said 20 minutes ago, this would be a good idea.

‘And to the gentleman who had just said that this is a good idea from the other person, you will do me the courtesy of listening to me when I speak, as should the rest of the Board.

‘Because, if you believe it’s a good idea now, then you all need to recognise that you are not listening to me. And you need to listen to me; not vicariously.’”

“This is my contribution to my womenfolk on International Women’s Day,” “Big Red” told the Guyana Chronicle.

A woman who has boldly embraced her sassy femininity on stage and off, “Big Red” declares herself an advocate of women’s rights, and feels responsible for helping create a brighter course for the advancement of women.

She said that it is regularly seen that women are abused, many of them because they cannot provide their own financial support.

The new song thus highlights to women that regardless of their situation, they

must always strive to make it better. “In the video,” “Big Red” said, “we have phonecard vendors, push cart and cool down vendors.

“What we’re saying is that no matter your situation, you must continue to work and put aside the ego.”

She believes that women have forgotten themselves, and have moved away from a place “where we love and respect ourselves because of the things some of us accept.” She is hoping that the song touches as many women as possible who need a happy song to motivate them in their time of need.

A PLEASANT SURPRISE Harper’s earlier appointment as ANSA McAL’s Managing Director was one that came as a surprise to her; she was of the belief that she was being interviewed for a marketing executive position, as that was her main area at the time. It Turn to Page 23