The actual sum allocated to the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI) at  Cove and John, East Coast Demerara for 2009 is $8M.

When  Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir, addressed participants earlier this week at the launch of a training programme at the GWLI auditorium, the Government Information Agency (GINA) had inadvertently stated that he had disclosed that GWLI’s 2009 budgetary allocation was $18M, with an additional $50M for single-parent training and provision of grants.  However,  GINA has subsequently stated that the correct sum allocated is $8M.

The minister  had pointed out that the allocation was  testimony of government’s commitment to enhancing the lives of women as declared in its 2006 mandate.

Nadir also said that the training will empower women to have a stronger voice in their homes, as well as the financial independence they need to remove themselves from abusive situations.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Trevor Thomas, had said that in recognizing that women play an active role in the country’s development, the programme seeks to build leadership capacity among women. He urged the women to take full advantage of the opportunities provided.

Thomas also noted that the skills acquired would mean nothing, if at the end of the programme, it is not transformed into a source of economic improvement.

Some of the major programmes offered are leadership skills, community development, image building and etiquette, healthy lifestyles, social studies, history and skills training, GINA said.

In 2008, over 200 women and girls, graduated from similar programmes in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten.