CARILED GENDER STUDY Guyana Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth March 31, 2015 1
Purpose of the Study The Study of Gender in Local Economic Development (LED) is part of a Regional Study on the impact of Gender and LED. Key Respondents/Stakeholders: Local Authorities LED points to the overarching framework for the development of MSMEs at the local level. The study looked at opportunities and challenges for the engagement of women and men in LED with a particular focus on women. The study comprised two components: Desk review and documentation research Survey and field research Credit and Financial Agencies Business Development Organizations Family, Community and Non-governmental Agencies 2
Government Structure Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLGRD) Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) Town/ Municipal Councils The primary duty of local democratic organizations is to ensure the efficient management and development of their areas with respect to political, economic, cultural and social life. This is to be achieved on the basis of inclusivity. Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) Amerindian Village Councils (AVCs) 3
Guyana A Three Tier System Central Regional Local Central Authority provides oversight and manages fiscal transfers from Central Government Regional Democratic Councils and Municipal Councils administer the Regions and Towns respectively Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and Amerindian Village Councils enable democratic decision making at the local level. Local Government is enshrined in the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (Act of 1980). Chapter VII, Section 71(1) states that Local Government is a vital aspect of democracy. 4
Local Government Comprises: 10 Regional Development Councils (RDCs) 7 Municipalities 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) 75 Amerindian Village Councils (AVCs) 5
Poverty in Guyana Growth rate - 5.3% But growth has not trickled down to the poorest Absolute poverty rate of 35% Critical poverty rate 19% Poverty conditions are more extreme in rural and the hinterland areas - affecting women more than men Unemployment rate 26% Guyana is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere with 6 an average per capita income of US$8,500 (2013)
Gender & MSMEs Gender constructions - Societal expectations, norms and values ascribed to women and men/boys and girls. Gender Stereotyping Expectations of norms, roles and behavior specific to women and men/boys and girls. Prevalence of women in single-headed households demands more time and work which is constraining to women accessing MSME support Women s income is lower, they have multiple roles and suffer higher health risks and illiteracy Weaknesses in social infrastructure increase the time and energy needed to perform daily tasks of family care and, therefore, reduce the time women have available for paid work and other activities
Micro, Medium and Small Enterprise MSME 2,200 MSMEs contributed about 28% of the total GDP (1998) Employed 40% of the Labour Force Expected growth of 1,200 new businesses - increasing to 3,385 registered small businesses (in 2014) Need for gender disaggregated data to determine number of women owned/managed businesses Estimated that a significant amount of unregistered businesses on the increase Initiating an MSME takes about 8 days and cost at least GYD 80,000 (USD 400) Programmes and services for Small Business: Small Business Act - Small Business Council Establishment of the Small Business Bureau (2012) Business Development Fund managed by the SBB Establishment of the New Guyana Marketing Cooperation and Go- Invest 8
Requirements for Accessing Loans/Business Financing Source of Finance Asset Requirement Gender Access Type Ministry of Labour Human ervices & Social Security Women of Worth None Women Soft Loan Small Business Bureau Grant None Both Grant Small Business Bureau Loan Any Both Backed Loan Institute of Private Enterprise Development Any Both Soft Loan Commercial Banks Building/Land Both Loan Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development (READ) Any Both Soft Loan Ministry of Agriculture - Rural Women Development Fund None Both Grant Gafoor s Small Business Development Fund (SBDF) Any Both Soft Loan Credit Union None Member Loan 9 Informal Loans Any Both Soft Loan
Perceptions of Gender Preferences in Credit and Finance Microfinance disproportionally affects women in business - their access to microfinance is constrained by factors deeply rooted in societal expectations, their multiple roles and general exclusion. NUMBER PERCENTAGE Better access for men 7 64% Better access for women 2 18% Equal access for both men and women 2 18% Rank of Reasons for Better Access to Credit by Men RANK REASON 1 Ownership of house and land 2 Employment to repay loan 3 Relationship with bank 4 Geographic Location 10
Priority sectors in the Economy Expansion Drive & Challenges Expansion of agricultural output The LCDS, the Jagdeo Initiative Grow More Food Campaign Agriculture Forestry Mining Manufacturing Industries Challenges to expansion: Communication Transportation Infrastructure 11
Recommendations Data gaps - strengthen gender disaggregated data collection in Local Authorities and Business Development. Address gender issues in MSMEs policies and practical needs, e.g. child care, MSME start up and growth, GBV information, etc. Mainstream gender equality practices and policies into the functions of Local Authorities. Enhance the capacity of local authorities for service provision Ensure legislative environment by amending laws to provide for a gender equity approach to policies and programmes at the national level and within local authorities as well within microfinance institutions. Inter-agency collaboration Strengthen LED-PAC with enhanced gender focus, include key CSOs in structure policy and implementation levels Community Sessions and Focus Groups with women, men and youth to ensure that services provided respond to their peculiar needs Capacity building for women entrepreneurs (such as use of information and communication technology) Monitor progress in gender participation in MSMEs requires sex disaggregated data MSMEs an Local Authorities 12
Conclusion This study found that small businesses are significant contributors to the economy of Guyana. Investing in small businesses will accrue tremendous benefits to the economy. For this to be effective women must be enabled to be fully involved in its development. Gender dimensions in LED are important in addressing poverty and inequalities in a meaningful way. This study sought to identify issues of gender reflecting the differentiated needs of men and women relating to their LED. In order to address these issues programmes which address structural challenges to women s access to money and markets, would have to be pursued. Community based services and programmes are necessary for supporting women in those multiple roles. 13
THANK YOU 14