The Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, has empowered over 12,000 women since its inception. This was disclosed by the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, during a press briefing on Tuesday. Dr. Persaud, used the occasion to encourage women across Guyana to take full advantage of the WIIN programme and other government initiatives aimed at enhancing their personal and professional development.
“We are giving you this opportunity to uplift and develop yourself. Public assistance is available, but it should not be the only answer. We need to change that mindset,” the minister remarked, stressing the importance of self-reliance and growth.
The WIIN initiative is offered free of cost and provides both in-person and online training, making it easily accessible to women from all walks of life. Participants have been trained in a wide range of fields, including Child Care, Elderly Care, Graphic Design, Patient Care, Garment Construction, Television and Video Production, Microsoft Office Suite, Home Management, and Administrative Assistance, among others.
Additionally, the ministry recently launched a skills training initiative under the WIIN programme to address the underrepresentation of women in traditionally male-dominated sectors like construction. Facilitated through the City and Guilds Training programme, this new initiative offers training in carpentry, masonry, welding, plumbing, and electrical work.
Minister Persaud also highlighted several other government initiatives designed to empower women with high-demand skills, such as the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships, the Get Ready for Opportunities to Work (GROW) initiative, Board of Industrial Training (BIT) TVET courses, and the president’s shade house project. These programmes, she noted, are free, accessible, and inclusive, with the goal of ensuring women can enter the workforce with competitive skills and financial independence.
Upon completion of the WIIN programme, participants are awarded certificates, which can be used to secure employment or launch their own businesses.
