The growth of the ‘We Lift’ Expo is a clear benchmark of Guyana’s progress in creating opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in the economy.
This was underscored by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, who is Acting President, Gail Teixeira at the Opening of the ‘WE LIFT 6’ Exhibition at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Friday.
Delivering feature remarks, Minister Teixeira highlighted that the presence of about 400 exhibitors demonstrates how far women entrepreneurs have come since the initiative began.
She noted that over the decades, deliberate policies and programmes have helped create an enabling environment for women to move beyond household responsibilities and actively participate in business, agriculture, construction and other sectors.
Minister Teixeira explained that initiatives such as expanded access to education, housing opportunities, training programmes and financial support have allowed more women to build businesses and gain economic security.
“If you don’t create the enabling environment, all you have is the will of a woman in a kitchen making products to sell. We have to create the environment to allow women to take their rightful place in the society and the economy,” she stated.
The minister also pointed to significant achievements in gender equality, including constitutional reforms, increased participation of women in the labour force, and greater representation of women in Parliament.
She said Guyana is among the countries in the region with one of the highest percentages of women owning property, with approximately 44 per cent of house lots allocated to women through the national housing programme.
According to Minister Teixeira, the expo reflects the determination of Guyanese women to expand their businesses, collaborate, and explore opportunities locally and internationally.
Meanwhile, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud, said the expo marks a major milestone for women’s entrepreneurship in Guyana.
She explained that the initiative began with just 75 women occupying a small section of the conference centre and has now grown.
Minister Persaud emphasised that the expo provides a platform for women to showcase their creativity, innovation and products while building networks and expanding their businesses.
She encouraged participants to see their ventures beyond the local market, noting that the aim is for products created by Guyanese women to reach international platforms.
She also highlighted that the event brings together a diverse range of products, including crafts, plants, jewellery, skincare items and condiments, while also creating opportunities for partnerships and business growth.
The minister urged the public to support the exhibitors by visiting the event and purchasing their products, noting that the initiative continues to empower women to grow from micro enterprises to small and medium-scale businesses.