–at unveiling of Kowsilla’s portrait
THE portrait of Kowsilla, the third of three to be erected honouring women who have made their mark in Guyana, was on Saturday last unveiled at the Leonora market, West Coast Demerara. The other two are of Winifred Gaskin and Dr. Desrey Fox. Kowsilla was an Executive of the Leonora branch of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) and paid the price of her life for her belief in adequate wage for adequate work.
The unveiling is part of activities by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in observance of International Women’s Day (March 8) observed under the theme “Equal Access to Education, Training, Science and Technology, the pathway to decent work for women.”
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Ms. Priya Manickchand told the gathering at Leonora that women have come a far way in Guyana and alluded to the progress many have made.
Guyana ranks at 25 of 186 countries with the percentage of female members of parliament, faring better than many developing countries and its Caribbean counterparts.
“We appreciate the efforts of women who came before us, like Kowsilla, who, had it not been for their struggles, we would not have been enjoying many of the things we take for granted today, and, we must ensure that their struggles don’t go in vain. We must also resolve to resist oppressors and oppression in any form and teach our children that as well,” she said.
A mother of four and the sole breadwinner of her family, Kowsilla was born in 1920 and was killed on March 6, 1964 when her body was severed in two by an estate scab, Felix Ross, who drove a tractor through her. He was later acquitted.
Also attending the unveiling ceremony on Saturday were children of neighbouring schools and, Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali who congratulated the Ministry of Human Services for the work done in the area of women and children and for bringing their issues to the fore.
Recognition has also been paid last week to two other outstanding women, Winifred Gaskin and Dr. Desrey Fox.
Winifred Ivy Gaskin, has been hailed a phenomenal woman, a woman of many talents and strengths, by Minister Manickchand at the portrait unveiling on Friday last at Public Road, Buxton, East Coast Demerara.
“Who was this lady, Winnie Gaskin that we come today and honour?” she queried.
She was described as a teacher, journalist, mother, politician, diplomat and Minister of Education.
“She (Gaskin) along with another set of fantastic women showed us in Guyana, by joining their sisters across the world, just how much more women are capable of. I say on behalf of myself and on behalf of my generation, thank you to Winnie Gaskin and the women who came before us, like her, who paved the way for us…give us space to come and excel and be all that we can be,” Minister Manickchand said.
The Minister also unveiled a portrait erected between the junction of the Cyril Potter College of Education and the University of Guyana of the late Minister within the Ministry of Education, Dr. Desrey Fox.
Dr. Fox was recognised for her accomplishments as an outstanding daughter of the land, icon and for the legacy she has left behind.
Source: (GINA) https://guyanachronicle.com/2011/03/16/ensure-the-struggles-of-women-dont-go-in-vain-minister-manickchand