A new Gender Equality in the Workplace Seal and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Training programme were launched on Friday as part of efforts to strengthen workplace equality, safety and protection across Guyana’s public and private sectors.
The initiatives were launched by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Ministry of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation.
The Gender Equality and Empowerment Seal will provide organisations with a structured framework to promote safe, inclusive and harassment-free workplaces.
The seal will require participating organisations to commit to gender equality and empowerment principles, complete four workplace training sessions and undergo a performance assessment and gender audit.
Organisations seeking accreditation must also sign a pledge making a public statement against gender and sexual discrimination, undergo an assessment of preparedness, complete mandatory training and go through review and accreditation. Those meeting the requirements will receive bronze, silver or gold certification.
The PSEAH training forms part of the effort to equip organisations and their employees to better understand and prevent sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in the workplace.
Dr Cona Husbands, Head of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, said the seal is intended to create a more just and equitable work environment, a cohesive and collaborative workplace and an environment free from sexual violence.
She said the initiative is also expected to support greater efficiency and staff performance, enhanced public image, improved employee competency and commitment, and reduced staff turnover.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud said the launch reflects the need for the country’s workplaces to adopt systems consistent with its development.
“Development, growth, improvement can only truly be realised if everyone is part of that effort and there is absolute ownership of what we want to achieve,” Persaud said.
She stressed that organisations must make changes early to develop “an efficient, accountable, effective, transparent model”.
“The seal cannot be achieved if it is not believed in,” she added.
Persaud also highlighted concerns surrounding sexual exploitation and harassment at workplaces, noting that people who make complaints may fear further victimisation or question whether action will be taken.
“These are the things we have to look at when we are trying to build systems that are gender neutral, equal and promote empowerment,” she said.
The launch therefore marks the introduction of a certification and training framework intended to help organisations examine their workplace practices, strengthen protections against discrimination and harassment and build environments where gender equality, safety and employee empowerment are incorporated into workplace culture.
Source: News Room Guyana
