In a positive assessment of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute’s (GWLI) efforts and by extension the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, a recent review conducted by the Auditor General’s Office reveals both achievements and areas where improvements could further empower vulnerable women across the country.
Launched in 2021, WIIN was designed to provide women and girls, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, with the skills and resources needed to access employment or start their own businesses.
With an investment of $185.5 million over two years, including $64 million allocated to WIIN in 2021, the initiative aimed to create opportunities for economic independence and personal empowerment.
The audit, which covered the period from January 2021 to December 2022, found that the WIIN programme has had a positive impact on many women.
Over 6,000 individuals across all ten administrative regions of Guyana participated in the training, which exceeded the original targets. This figure represents 41% of those who applied during this time, with training offered in seven technical and vocational areas.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud (center)
along with WIIN coordinator, Sanjay Pooran receives over 100 sewing machines from Silvie’s
Industrial Solutions’ Deepawattie Persaud
The GWLI has made significant improvements to the programme since its inception. While initial courses were offered at Level 1, the programme has since expanded to include up to Level 3 in the same areas, with the addition of two new subjects.
The Institute has also hired additional staff to ensure that more people can be trained effectively and efficiently, creating better working environments and providing essential equipment to support staff in their roles.
However, the review also highlighted some challenges that need to be addressed for the WIIN programme to reach its full potential.
While the programme successfully trained many individuals, a significant number of vulnerable women – especially unemployed single mothers – were not reached.
A class of WIIN graduates share a photo opportunity with Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud
Of the 14,663 applicants, 2,571 were identified as the most vulnerable women, but only 410 were able to participate in the programme, leaving 84% of those in need without access to the opportunities provided.
The Auditor General’s Office recommended a number of steps for the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute to improve its outreach and effectiveness.
Key recommendations include better staffing, enhanced monitoring and evaluation of personnel, and more targeted efforts to ensure that vulnerable women are given the support they need to participate and succeed.
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