UN System supports development of Gender Policy at the University of Guyana

The University of Guyana (UG) in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), through the United Nations-European Union (UN-EU) Spotlight Initiative, and the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) launched a carefully designed Gender Policy aimed at ensuring that all staff, students and external stakeholders, irrespective of gender, have equal rights, responsibilities and development opportunities at the University.

Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Guyana, Prof. Paloma Mohamed, during remarks, said the University was elated to lead the process in ensuring that a carefully designed policy was written. She noted that a strong institutional framework is in place to ensure it is effectively and fully implemented.

The VC explained that a thorough process was followed by the University before the policy became final. “The university’s procedures are quite rigorous, going through four committees whenever a policy is to be made,” she said.

She further explained that the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy, a Mental Wellness Policy and an Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Policy will also complement the Gender Policy. Dr. Mohamed thanked the EU, UNICEF and the WEGC for their support in ensuring the policy was finalized.

The European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Rene van Nes, said the EU was very pleased to support the initiative. He said, “Ensuring equal rights for all individuals, regardless of gender, serves as a powerful catalyst for the progress and prosperity of our societies. It makes our nations not only richer but also more peaceful and more secure.”

“This policy is a commitment to breaking down barriers and building bridges. It’s a promise to create a university where every one of you, regardless of gender identity, feels empowered, respected, and ready to conquer the world. Let this be the beginning of a transformative journey within the university, radiating its positive influence into the wider Guyanese society,” the Ambassador encouraged.

UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana, Ms. Yeşim Oruç highlighted that the policy "stands alongside other related outputs developed through various pillars of the Spotlight Initiative in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, the private sector and other key stakeholders.”

“I encourage the University of Guyana to quickly and fully implement the Gender Policy. A policy on paper is a remarkable product which is the culmination of the countless efforts of countless people. But even better than a policy on paper, is a policy in action – one that is so inextricably woven into the fabric of campus life that it becomes a defining characteristic,” she added.

Deputy Representative Officer-in-Charge (OIC), UNICEF Guyana and Suriname, Mr. Javier Cordoba, during a virtual presentation, congratulated the University and partners for the efforts made in ensuring the realization of the policy.  He said, “This launch also signals the University’s commitment to ensuring both equity and equality, as per the laws of Guyana and Guyana’s international commitment, such as those outlined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.” He noted that the new policy will support the work to establish the Gender Institute at the University later in the year.

UG’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Institutional Advancement, Dr Melissa Ifill, in providing an overview of the policy, noted that some of its objectives are:

1) To promote working and learning environments in which all staff and students are treated with dignity and respect;

2) To prohibit gender, gender identity and gender expression being used as criteria or requirement to disadvantage any staff or student;

3) To outline guidelines to report, and procedures to investigate, allegations of discriminatory behaviours or attitudes;

4) To promote a zero-tolerance policy for any form of gender-based violence that emanates from gender inequality;

5) To provide guidelines for responding to all reported incidences of gender-based discrimination or violence; and

6) To provide guidelines for responding to all reported incidences of gender-based discrimination or violence.

She further explained that the policy allows for data collection and the promotion of gender diversity, and mainstreaming gender in the curriculum. In this regard, the Institute of Gender Studies will work with Faculties, Schools and Colleges to review their course/programme content to eliminate gendered value judgements and to appropriately integrate gender in all taught courses and research to promote a fair and inclusive gender environment in the classroom.

According to Dr. Ifill, the University is also using the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy that was approved in 2021, to hold perpetrators of gender-based harassment and violence accountable. This policy includes both preventative and disciplinary measures and is a complementary policy to this Gender Policy.

She noted that training and educational materials will be made available to the University community and the public on the University of Guyana’s website.

Republished, with edits, from UNICEF Guyana.