The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in partnership with the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) will be launching a comprehensive anti-discrimination workplace policy based on the protection of sexual orientation and gender identity.
At a “Business and Human Rights: Tackling Workplace Discrimina-tion” seminar hosted at the Pegasus Hotel last Wedn-esday GCCI President, Clinton Urling said the goal was to sensitize managers and business owners to human rights’ violations. He noted that having a clear understanding of what discrimination based on sexual orientation and gendered identity was necessary in Guyana’s workplaces.
Urling expanded that all forms of discrimination and stigma had a negative crossover to productivity and getting the most from employees. He stated that SASOD has continued to be a voice for LGTB youth and advocates for ending discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation and it was now the private sector’s turn to become more involved.
He called on his colleagues and GCCI members to take a stand and said he hoped the seminar would be a guiding force for how to begin the discussion in workplaces. He noted that private sector involvement and strengthening company polies in dealing with issues and not standing for discrimination of any kind can translate publicly.
Urling stated that “it will not be an easy battle but one in which we have to advance to ensure that the fundamental human rights of all Guyanese are protected. In all these situations it took adaptive changes to effect this. The citizens and people were part of the problem and changing their attitudes and beliefs were key to enacting the necessary legislation. That is the important role of SASOD and what this seminar seeks to do.”
Also present at the seminar was Alliance For Change Member of Parliament Cathy Hughes who stated that the key areas that needed addressing were improving protection for LGTB employees and how effectively managers deal with homophobia and transphobic discrimination. The seminar focused on how businesses also treat LGTB clients and participants were encouraged to utilise tools from the seminar to expand on their current anti-discrimination policies.
Hughes did take the opportunity to broadly state that the promotion of equality meant justice for all Guyanese and the elimination of discrimination based on sexuality.
During the seminar a screening of “Sade’s Story,” was shown where transgender fashion designer, Sade Richardson spoke on how difficult it has been to showcase her work because of the stigma and everyday transphobic discrimination she faces.
SASOD Secretary, Zenita Nicholson and SASOD Co-Chair Joel Simpson, spoke about effectively respecting human rights in workplaces and what the current legal framework is as it relates to human rights in Guyana.
