The participation of Guyanese women in politics and parliament during the administration of the Peoples National Congress

Abstract

The Fourth World Conference on women was held in Beijing, China, September 1995 three

years after the Peoples National Congress was defeated at the polls by Peoples Progressive Party.

During that conference, the minuscule presence of women in the hierarchy of political parties, their limited participation in all areas of political activity and their under representation in

parliaments were lamented. The above statement amply reflected the situation that existed in Guyana. In December 1964, as a result of elections held under the system of Proportional Representation, the PNC came to power in coalition with the United Force. The paper will focus on the participation of Guyanese women in the hierarchy of the PNC. It will also examine the percentages of women on the parties’ lists, in parliament and as ministers of government during the 28 years of the PNC’s administration.