‘I Love Guyana’ Signage flips for International Women’s Day

Representatives of the two businesses and the Canadian Commission at the I Love Guyana Signage 

Two Guyanese-owned companies have partnered with the High Commission of Canada to Guyana and Suriname to transform the ‘I love Guyana’ 3D signage to allow patrons to leave messages of hope, encouragement or wisdom, in observation of International Women’s Day which was observed on Monday, March 08, 2021.

The international Observance was celebrated under the theme: ‘Choose to challenge.’

The companies –Impressions Branding and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) –joined in decorating the signage in the colour purple which symbolizes this year’s occasion.

The event saw scores of women and supporting men acknowledging the achievements of women, the challenges and the right to fight for gender equality.

Marketing Manager at Impressions Debbie Persaud noted that that the day might be seen as “bitter-sweet”, as society continues to see violence against women.

“Many of our women continue to be disregarded through abuse, trafficking, being battered and raped. The fact that this continues in this modern world, speaks to the fact that there is still much to be done to ensure that our women, who are our mothers, our wives, our daughters, our sisters, are protected and no longer taken for granted. Indeed we can do better; we must do better, for it’s our collective responsibility to show love and respect and to ensure the safety of our women. It is our collective responsibility to ensure our women are not seen as property,” Persaud was quoted saying.

She called on patrons to be inspired to make a difference and influence others in taking concrete action in the best interest of all women.

High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana and Suriname, Senior Trade Commissioner Jake Thomas, acknowledged the advancements of women but stated much more is to be done to establish a gender-equal society.

“I would like to urge you that we keep alive the essence and resolve that symbolizes International Women’s Day by encouraging, mentoring and supporting our young women to become confident and strong leaders.  We have the opportunity in our actions to help them garner and sustain the same courage and determination that has been demonstrated by women we are honouring today,” Thomas stated.

In brief remarks, GBTI Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), James Foster reiterated former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s call “Women themselves have the right to live in dignity, in freedom from want and freedom from fear. On this International Women’s Day, let us rededicate ourselves to making that a reality.”