Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
With impressive information about empowerment of women in Qatar and the remarkable role played by women in various sectors of the country, Guyana will take advantage of the experience and amazing achievements of Qatar to benefit its people, said Guyana First Lady Madam Arya Ali.
Talking to Qatar Tribune on her three-day stay of in Doha on way from Singapore back to Georgetown, Capital of Guyana, the first lady said she is inspired by the exemplary works of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser in the field of education, health, science and research.
She said women in Guyana are playing a significant role in the development of society and the country which can be seen from their presence in the cabinet.
"They are holding portfolios like parliamentary affairs, education, tourism, commerce, human development, housing and water,” she said, adding that women in Guyana are also seen as successful entrepreneurs as well as in various professional fields.
Madam Arya Ali, who is on her maiden visit to any country in the Gulf States, said she has initiated four important projects/programmes in her country with the support of the generous donors.
"These programmes include hygiene initiative for the high school students in public sector across Guyana, InclusAbility, which seeks to better integrate persons with disabilities into society and the labour force, besides the provision of supplies and devices,
companies are asked to employ persons with disabilities to afford them an opportunity at financial independence,” she said.
She added, "Support is also provided for micro and small business enterprises owned and operated by persons with disabilities. A business centre for persons with disabilities is currently being constructed in Berbice. It is expected to be completed this year and the Office of The First Lady (OFL) will be responsible for furnishing it as well as implementing the programme.”
She said her third programme is ‘National Beautification Project’, aimed at amplifying the beauty of Guyana by enhancing its scenic qualities, while contributing to environmental sustainability through preservation. This will help in attracting tourism of the country.
Guyana is known for its rainforests, as 87 percent of its land is covered by forests, playing key role in regulating the rainfall across the entire Amazon basin.
She said that her fourth project is about anti-littering awareness and education campaign.
The first lady said she took opportunity of her visit to meet her country’s expatriates in Qatar, although roughly around 50 nationals.