By Jomo Paul
![Independent Party Leader Mark Benschop and Women's Rights Commissioner, Nicole Cole protesting outside City Hall. [iNews' Photo]](https://i0.wp.com/www.inewsguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Mark.jpg)
The two women, according to media reports, were dismissed by Chief Constabulary Officer Andrew Foo after they were found to be pregnant.
Reports indicate that as a policy, female constabularies are asked not to become pregnant during the first two years of their employment, since such is considered to be probationary period and would be against the by laws that govern the constabulary.
Foo is quoted in the Stabroek News as saying “becoming pregnant would seriously limit their ability to function but if they do become pregnant they have the option of resigning and at the end of their maternity once their performance has been good, they can return to the constabulary.”
But Cole at the protest lines on Tuesday fumed over the decision as she stated it infringes on the rights of women and is also unconstitutional.
She pointed out that Guyana is signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and such a move also contravenes that Body’s regulatory framework.
“This policy smacks of discrimination all the way from the colonial days and we are calling for a review of the case and to reinstate the women. How are they going to get jobs?…to have such a policy violates the human rights,” said Cole who was very passionate about the issue.
Meanwhile, Benschop stated that he is of the firm view that such draconian laws should not be enforced given the fact that they infringe on basic human rights.
“It is obvious that this action is discriminatory – it is inhumane…why some may argue that it is paramilitary laws and this is that…I think it is unjust. That is something that our colonial master, slave masters would have done to control the populations….for them to embrace such draconian laws it is unacceptable,” said the political leader.
When asked about support from the other constables, Benschop stated that there is some fear on the part of the other female constables to reject the decision of their superiors.
“It is hurtful to hear some of the female ranks in the presence of their seniors saw that ‘the law is the law…the law is the law’….don’t they have a conscience? The law may seem like the law but it is unlawful,” said Benschop.
Give the women back their job now and change the stupid, backward law to provide maternity leave.
Don’t worry, there are more to come. That’s the change you voted for, if you did.
What difference is this from giving polygraph tests to only one set of workers ?……..of course it is worse when yuh own kick you !
Pregnancy On The Job?
Pregnancy In The Georgetown-Guyana City Constabulary Policy!
“Female constables are asked not to become pregnant during the first two years of their employment, since such is considered to be probationary period.”
If these two women violated this policy and agreement as per their employment. Then the M&CC has the legal right to dismiss them for violating this Contract Of Employment Policy.
An Amendment Is In Order Here:
In keeping with current Global I LO Agreements pertaining to Woman’s Rights on the Job.
It is absolutely necessary that this policy be amended to incorporate the necessary changes needed, pertaining to Maternity, and Maternity Vacation Leave with pay.
Since it is WOMEN who bear children and continue to next generations, there should be laws PROTECTING women from such BACKWARD laws.I sincerely hope that these women will be given back their jobs – NOW.