The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) through its Membership and Diversity Committee will be collaborating with the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to host the second annual Women in Law Enforcement Summit (WILES) from March 11 – 12 at the Police Annex.

WILES is being held as part of celebrations in honour of International Women’s Day 2024, which is celebrated across the world annually on March 8. The event is being held under the theme “Inspire Inclusion – Advancing Women in Enforcement” and aims to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women in the realm of law enforcement. The event is set to bring together influential leaders, professionals, and advocates from both the public and private sectors.

In addition to celebrating the achievements of women in law enforcement other objectives of the event include emphasis on the importance of gender equity within the law enforcement sector; empowerment and mentorship by providing opportunities for aspiring women in law enforcement to connect with seasoned professionals; providing a platform for knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration with discussions on best practices, mental health and well-being, as well as the development of strategies and initiatives to promote gender equality within the sector.

“I am privileged to contribute to this significant initiative,” GCCI Diversity and Membership Committee Chairperson, Mrs. Kerri Gravesande-Bart commented.

“I extend an invitation to all stakeholders, including women in law enforcement, government officials, leaders in the private sector, representatives from civil society organizations, members of academia, international partners, and advocates for gender equality, to join us in this endeavor.”

The first WILES event was held in 2023, where over 350 persons participated in the two-day event.

“Last year’s summit was an outstanding success, leaving participants highly satisfied. We were able to promote inclusivity, foster open and honest dialogues, and offer activities to enhance professional and personal abilities. We had informative sessions on mental and women’s health, and placed special emphasis on promoting financial and banking literacy, partnering with GBTI and Demerara Bank to have their officers share valuable insights,” Mrs Gravesande-Bart expressed.