The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised Guyanese authorities for the development of a national plan to address gender inequality and the expansion of the female labour force. In its latest report which underscores the strength of the nation’s economic well-being, the financial institution said the plan is supported by ambitious structural reforms in key sectors, together with high public spending plans.
The Fund said these reforms are correctly targeting some of the key barriers associated with gender inequality and fostering better opportunities for women. Expounding on these reforms and policies, the Fund cited the National Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) policy which addresses exclusion and promote gender equality.
With respect to health access, the IMF said authorities are developing infrastructure to expand the coverage and access to health services, including construction of a world class pediatric and maternal hospital in Ogle, and a new hospital in New Amsterdam, along with ongoing work in six regional hospitals. In addition, the IMF said the plan of action for the elimination of cervical cancer by 2030 has been launched, aimed to screen over 211,000 women between the ages of 21-60 years.
On the education front, the IMF said authorities have expanded access to tertiary education through initiatives like the University of Guyana Student Loan Write-Off Program, benefiting 3,500 students, and the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme, which has awarded to women over 21,400 scholarships since 2021, representing 72 percent of total awardees.
In 2024, the IMF highlighted that approximately 4,000 individuals joined Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) programmes, focusing on skills such as agro-processing, fiber optics, and construction. Additionally, the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) have trained over 23,700 women since 2020.
Overall, the IMF said these programmes, along with key structural reforms will ensure Guyana makes considerable progress in addressing gender inequality.
