During a historic address to Guyana’s National Assembly, Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi underscored the critical importance of women-led development and youth innovation as keys to a prosperous future. Aligning with the ongoing efforts of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s administration, PM Modi emphasized the transformative power of gender equity and youth collaboration.
“In the 21st century, women are going to play a very big role in ensuring global prosperity,” he stated, spotlighting the need for a more inclusive world. Highlighting India’s progress as a model for global change, Modi shared his vision for empowering half the world’s population through enhanced leadership opportunities.
Women at the Heart of Development
India’s advancements in gender equity were central to PM Modi’s message. He noted that women’s representation in leadership roles has been steadily increasing, particularly through initiatives that support women leaders in Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Reflecting on historical disparities, he said, “This is not the story of any one country, not just the Global South, but it is the story of the whole world.”
Modi highlighted the Women’s Reservation Bill, which reserves 33 percent of parliamentary seats for women in India, as a major step towards gender parity. He also celebrated the country’s achievements in sectors traditionally dominated by men: “Today, women are coming forward in every sector in India. Out of all the pilots in the world, only 5 percent are women, but in India, 15 percent of all pilots are women.” He also noted that 40 percent of STEM graduates in India are women, a figure surpassing the global average.
Youth as Catalysts for Change
Beyond women’s empowerment, PM Modi called for stronger collaboration in education and innovation to harness young people’s potential. He extended an invitation to Guyanese students to study in India, offering them opportunities to engage with the country’s advanced educational system and partner with Indian scientists and innovators.
“India will be happy to host as many students from Guyana as possible. Together, we can find solutions to global challenges through creative collaboration,” he said, stressing the role of youth as a bridge between nations and as drivers of future progress.
Modi’s appeal was not only visionary but practical. He advocated for a focus on education, skills development, and technology as cornerstones of the India-Guyana partnership. “We can inspire our youth to collaborate and act locally,” he emphasized, encouraging joint efforts to build a brighter future.
Recognizing Guyana’s Progress
Acknowledging Guyana’s advancements, Modi praised the country’s commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment. With women holding 39.4 percent of parliamentary seats as of 2024, Guyana is making notable strides in political participation. Under President Ali’s administration, women’s empowerment has become a development priority.
The Guyanese government has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at increasing women’s involvement in diverse sectors. These include allocating over 50 percent of house lots to women in 2024 and supporting their entry into non-traditional fields like carpentry. Programs like the Women’s Investment and Innovation Network (WIIN) and scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) are further enhancing women’s economic participation. These efforts have contributed to a significant improvement in Guyana’s global ranking on gender parity.
A Joint Commitment to an Inclusive Future
PM Modi’s visit reinforced a shared commitment between India and Guyana to create a world where women and youth are leading forces in development. “This is our time to come together and create a new global order,” he declared, inviting further cooperation between the two nations to achieve common goals.
His visit, the first by an Indian leader in over 50 years, took place from November 20 to 22, 2024, and included signing agreements to enhance collaboration in key areas such as hydrocarbons, agriculture, and digital payments. President Ali praised Modi’s leadership and celebrated the deep-rooted ties between India and Guyana, particularly through the Indian diaspora, which constitutes nearly 40 percent of the population.
Through this historic visit, both nations reaffirmed their dedication to empowering women and youth, setting a course for a more inclusive and prosperous future.