Young women from across Guyana gathered in the National Assembly chamber on Friday for the Fourth National Assembly of Girls, an initiative organised by Imperial House in collaboration with the Parliament of Guyana, aimed at empowering girls to participate in leadership and governance.
The sitting, held as Guyana prepares to observe International Women’s Day on March 8, allowed participants to simulate parliamentary proceedings, debate national issues and engage directly with political leaders.
The programme featured remarks from the Prime Minister of the Fourth National Assembly of Girls, Kyra Adams, Leader of the Opposition Kyla Fraser, and Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond.
Adams delivered a passionate address celebrating womanhood and urging young women to embrace leadership with confidence.
Opening her speech with a reflection on public speaking and inspiration drawn from prominent women leaders, Adams declared: “I absolutely love being a woman.”
She told the chamber that International Women’s Day is not merely symbolic but represents a broader global call to address inequality and accelerate progress for women.
“It is not just about flowers and purple outfits,” Adams said. “International Women’s Day is a global recognition of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, but it is also a call to action.”
While acknowledging the progress made by women, Adams stressed that barriers still exist in areas such as leadership opportunities, safety and equal representation.
“We must be honest about how far we still have to go,” she said.
She reminded participants that their presence in the chamber represented more than themselves.
“When a young girl sees a woman leading—whether in government, law or activism—she learns that her thoughts belong in decision-making spaces and that her voice deserves to echo in rooms of influence,” Adams stated.
Reflecting on the bonds formed through the programme, Adams said the experience demonstrated the strength of women supporting each other.
“We make space for one another, we lift one another up and we carry our girlhood with pride and strength,” she said, adding that the programme showed the power of unity among young women.
Fraser also delivered a strong address, emphasising the need for policies that recognise the realities faced by women and girls.
Fraser said International Women’s Day represents more than celebration—it is a declaration that women’s voices are essential in shaping policy and national development.
“Our voices are not decorative; they are directive,” Fraser said.
She highlighted the role women continue to play in shaping societies through persistence, discipline and vision, both in Guyana and internationally.
Fraser paid tribute to influential Guyanese women, including former President Janet Jagan, Justice Désirée Bernard, and educator Viola Burnham, noting that their achievements paved the way for future generations.
However, she stressed that greater progress is still needed.
“The list of remarkable women is growing, yet it is still not enough,” Fraser said.
As part of the parliamentary sitting, the opposition presented a motion calling for the introduction of menstrual leave for women and girls in employment and education.
“Menstruation is not a choice, nor is it a failure of discipline or endurance. It is a natural biological function experienced by women and girls across our country,” Fraser stated.
She said the proposal was not about seeking special treatment but about ensuring policies reflect biological realities.
“We do not seek sympathy. We seek understanding. We do not ask for special treatment—we ask for treatment that acknowledges biology,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond praised the initiative as an important investment in developing the next generation of female leaders.
She said the programme provides young women with the opportunity not only to learn about governance but to practise it within the very chamber where national decisions are made.
“This sitting of the Fourth National Assembly of Girls is an investment in leadership,” Walrond said.
“It is an affirmation that the future of Guyana will be shaped by the voices, ideas and courage of young women who are willing to participate in the democratic life of our nation.”
Walrond encouraged participants to see themselves as future leaders capable of shaping national policy.
“Democracy is not preserved for the already powerful. Democracy belongs to citizens who are prepared, engaged and brave enough to speak up,” she said.
Reflecting on her own journey in public service, Walrond spoke about the challenges women often face in leadership spaces traditionally dominated by men.
“Sometimes the barrier is not a rule; it is an attitude,” she said, noting that women are often judged differently in professional environments.
She recalled early moments in her career when she felt uncertain about speaking publicly but learned that confidence grows through experience.
“You become ready by speaking. You become strong by trying. You become better by practising,” she told the participants.
Walrond also urged the young women to protect their confidence and remain committed to their goals despite challenges.
“You do not earn respect by shrinking or disappearing,” she said. “You earn respect by demonstrating confidence, consistency and good character.”
She emphasised that empowering women is critical to national development and noted that women in Guyana are increasingly taking leadership roles across government, business, law enforcement, education and other sectors.
“The empowerment of women is not a social favour—it is a national development imperative,” Walrond said.
Preparing future leaders
Participants in the Fourth National Assembly of Girls spent the day debating issues affecting women and girls while gaining first-hand experience in parliamentary procedures.
Walrond encouraged the young parliamentarians to engage respectfully in debate, use evidence to support their arguments and remain committed to improving society.
“Speak with conviction but also with respect. Critique ideas without attacking people,” she advised.
The programme forms part of broader efforts to encourage greater participation of women and girls in politics and national leadership.
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