The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) recently targeted some 300 women in a series of workshops aimed at promoting  the elimination of racial, social and religious discrimination in Guyana while  encouraging them to create respect for forms of diversity in Guyana’s plural society.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, several of the women at the workshops acknowledged that they could empower themselves to be more respectful and have a high level of tolerance and accommodation for this country’s  diverse cultures, religions and ethnicities.

The first workshop was held on July 21 at the La Chalet Country Club, Soesdyke-Linden Highway and attracted approximately 75 participants from the East Bank area. On July 22, 95 women from the Cummings Lodge to Mahaica area participated in a workshop held at the Grand Coastal Inn, Le Resouvenir, East Coast Demerara.

And a workshop held at the Aracari Resort brought together 75 women from 28 different communities in Region Three, while the final workshop last  Friday at the Duke Lodge in Kingston, Georgetown had 44 women from 15 organisations in the capital city.

Chairman of the ERC, Bishop Juan Edghill, GINA stated,  led members of his Commission in a “vibrant and edifying discussion with over 40 participants at the workshop.”

Some films were shown which encourage all to appreciate each other’s culture and differences and how to deal with persons who are racists or make racist remarks to others.

The women were given opportunities to liberally express their thoughts and observations as they related to racism and other social barriers as well as make recommendations for persons who are exposed to various types of discrimination.

Bishop Edghill, while encouraging the women to play a stronger part in the lives of their families, GINA stated, noted that no Guyanese should be subjected to any type of discrimination and that persons should be assessed on their value rather than their race, culture, religion, political or social association.