[www.inewsguyana.com] – A Guyanese woman recently took part in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) on women’s issues which took place in the United States.
IVLP is a professional exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The mission of IVLP is to offer current and emerging international leaders the opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of American political, economic, social and cultural life through carefully designed exchanges that reflect participants’ professional interests and the public diplomacy objectives of the United States government.
US Chargé d’Affaires Bryan Hunt met with Miriam Jainarine upon her return from the United States after participating in the embassy sponsored IVLP exchange.
Jainarine, Project Coordinator of Mibicuri Community Developers – Black Bush Polder, participated in an IVLP exchange on “Capacity Building to Empower Girls,” from March 2 – 20, 2015.
“One of the main objectives of the program sought to emphasize the importance of girls’ and women’s leadership, civic participation and volunteerism as components of civic life in the United States and around the world. During the program, Ms. Jainarine and her counterparts from twelve countries visited several cities, including Washington, D.C.; Seattle, Washington; Denver, Colorado; and New York, New York. These visits provided varied insights and understanding of cultivating leadership in young women and encourage them to take action to improve communities,” an Embassy statement said.
It noted that through in-depth discussions, meetings, and site visits, the IVLP participants had an opportunity to explore creative partnerships between non-governmental organizations, community groups, public and private schools and government agencies that address issues of concern to girls and women.
According to the statement, “the empowerment of women and girls is not only important for an equitable society, it is essential to building stronger economies, achieving internationally recognized development goals, and improving the quality of life of women, men, families, and communities. Advancing the full participation of women and girls in the political, economic, and social realms of their countries remains a key goal of U.S. foreign policy.”
Hunt reaffirmed the U.S. Government’s commitment to work with and strengthen the role of civil society organizations which supports the development of women and girls.
He encouraged Jainarine to build on the many professional linkages made with U.S. institutions and other IVLP participants from countries across the globe to strengthen her work and that of her organization for the benefit of Guyanese people.
Hunt also commended Mibicuri Community Developers for their contribution to enable women to empower themselves through access to social and economic resources.
funny thing how they have to go to the land of milk huney n money before they could get smart and come back to have their say..they have no say in their adopted land of milk honey n money but oh baby baby baby they can say in guyana