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Andrea Liew, VSO, Enterprise Development Advisor, South
Central Peoples Development Association (SCPDA)
8/20/2012
WOMENS GROUPS IN
SOUTH CENTRAL AND
SOUTH RUPUNUNI
A brief report of observations and data collected from
womens groups during the SCPDA Management Plan
Dissemination workshops.
In almost every village in the South Central and South Rupununi, a
womens group exists or has existed. This report briefly summarizes their
past and present activities and what they desire or need to restart
operations and function effectively.
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WOMENS GROUPS IN SOUTH CENTRAL AND
SOUTH RUPUNUNI
A brief report of observations and data collected from womens groups during the
SCPDA Management Plan Dissemination workshops.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3
Methodology ................................................................................................................... 4
Limitations and Constraints ...................................................................................... 4
Summary of Data Collected From Questionnaires ...................................................... 5
Group & Member Status ............................................................................................ 5
Financial Status ..........................................................................................................5
Activities Undertaken ................................................................................................ 6
Training ....................................................................................................................... 7
Notes From Group Discussions ..................................................................................... 8
Participation & Commitment ..................................................................................... 8
Markets ....................................................................................................................... 8
Skills and Training ..................................................................................................... 9
Support from Husbands/Partners .............................................................................. 9
Notes on the Recent Development ofWomens Groups .............................................10
Shulinab Womens Group ......................................................................................... 10
Parikawarunawa Womens Group ...........................................................................10
Aishalton Womens Group ........................................................................................ 10
Recommendations ........................................................................................................ 12
Pilot Groups .............................................................................................................. 12
Skills & Training ...................................................................................................... 12
Funding ..................................................................................................................... 13
Markets ..................................................................................................................... 14
Commitment & Participation ................................................................................... 14
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Local Support Systems ............................................................................................. 14
Closing Remarks .......................................................................................................... 16
Appendices ................................................................................................................... 17
Appendix 1Womens Group Questionnaire..........................................................17
Appendix 2Shulinab Womens Group Questionnaire..........................................19
Appendix 3General Information about Womens Groups ...................................21
Appendix 4Past Activities of Womens Groups....................................................22
Appendix 5Desired Activities of Womens Groups ..............................................23
Appendix 6Skills Needed/Wanted from Womens Groups ..................................24
Appendix 7Descriptions and Examples of Activities ........................................... 25
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INTRODUCTIONDuring the Management Plan Dissemination workshops, facilitated by SCPDA for the period of May
27, 2012June 21, 2012, a survey was conducted among women and womens groups of South
Central and South Rupununi in villages supported by SCPDAs programs.
Women in 15 out of 17 villages in South Central and South Rupununi were involved in givingresponses for data collection. Surveys from the womens groups in Sawariwau and Parabara have not
yet been received and are therefore excluded from this report.
South Central Rupununi villages:
1. Baitoon
2. Katoonarib
3. Katuur
4. Parikawarunawa
5. Potarinau
6. Rupunau
7. Sand Creek
8. Sawariwau
9. Shiriri
10. Shulinab
South Rupununi villages:
1. Achawib
2. Aishalton
3. Awarewanawa
4. Karaudarnawa
5. Maruranawa
6. Shea
7. Parabara
The purpose of this survey was to compile information on the status and activities of womens groups
and their need for supportboth at a local level and from external organizations. Data provided by
the survey will help shape SCPDAs strategic plan for the next 10 years.
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METHODOLOGYA survey consisting of 8 questions (Appendix 1) were given to female facilitators to complete during
their visits to communities.An example of Shulinabs Womens Groups answers (Appendix 2) was
also given to assist them in understanding what kind of data was required.
Female facilitators were used to survey women/womens groups in each community to make surveyparticipants feel comfortable in answering questions. We felt that encouraging a female-to-female
interaction would improve the quantity and quality of answers.
The two female facilitators, Andrea Saba of Shiriri village and Antonia Barjoan of Aishalton village,
conducted the survey after the conclusion of each Management Plan Dissemination workshop.
Women broke off into a separate group to take part in the questionnaire.
Andrea Liew collected the completed questionnaires from the facilitators in order to record and
summarize responses electronically. General observations and opinions of Andrea Saba, Antonia
Barjoan, and Andrea Liew regarding the survey process were also recorded.
Limitations and ConstraintsIt is likely that not all opinions of village women and members of womens groups were captured for
the following reasons:
There was no prior discussion between the questionnaire creator, Andrea Liew, and the
facilitators before the Management Plan Dissemination workshop commenced. Since Andrea
was unable to attend most of the workshop sessions in South Central, questions or types of
answers expected of participants may have been misinterpreted by facilitators and/or
participants.
The questionnaire creator, Andrea Liew, was not able to supervise and help both femalefacilitators at all times due to scheduling conflicts and transportation requirements to move
from village to village; there were always two teams in two different villages at the same
time.
The number of survey participants depended on who was able to attend the Management
Plan Dissemination workshop (which was the main focus for facilitators); this varied each
day due to villagers other commitments (e.g. village work/self-help).
Due to the timing of the survey, which was held after the conclusion of the Management Plan
Dissemination workshop, potential participants may have left immediately after the
workshop due to the late timing or other commitments (e.g. family obligations).
The workshops were held during the time of school examinations, so many young females
were unable to attend the workshop and questionnaire sessions. Some womens groups were not represented. For example, Sand Creek used to have 3
womens groups, however only 1 was represented when the survey was conducted.
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SUMMARY OF DATACOLLECTED FROM QUESTIONNAIRESOut of the 15 villages surveyed, information for 15womens groups was available. In the past, Sand
Creek had 3 womens groups, but only 1 was represented at discussions; therefore, the other 2 womens
groups are excluded from data collection Maruranawa has 2womens groups and they are both
included. All other villages surveyed had 1 womens group per community. Shiriri is the only village
that has never had a functioning womens group in the past and still does not have one.
Group & Member StatusPlease refer to Appendix 3 for data.
Out of the 15 womens groups, only 3 are considered active. Active, pertaining to groups and for
the purposes of this report, describes groups that meet and/or engage in activities on a regular basis,
regardless of whether the activities are income-generating or not. The 3 active womens groups are
based inAishalton, Maruranawa, and Shulinab. Maruranawa is a small church-based womens
group whereas the womens groups surveyed in all other communities are not affiliated with areligious institution.
Out of the active womens groups, there are a total of 56 general members, of which 37 (or 66.1%) are
active. Active, pertaining to individual group members, describes persons who attend womens
groups meetings and/or participates in activities on a regular basis. All other members belong to the
group, but only attend meetings and/or participate in activities on an occasional basis. In Appendix
3, active members of inactive groups represent the number of women who were active before the
group dissolved.
Shulinabs womens group has the most general members and active members; 35 and 20,
respectively. Aishalton has 16 members, 12 being active and Maruranawas group has 5 members,
all of which are active.
Financial StatusPlease refer to Appendix 3 for data.
The 3 active groups in Aishalton, Maruranawa, and Shulinab feel they are in a stable financial
position at the moment due to income-generating activities. This being said, Aishalton and Shulinab
still feel they can benefit from more funds and have indicated that they would like to submit
proposals to acquire grants.
The inactive womens groups have indicated that they would like to start up again, but require funds
to do so.
According to the womens groups, funds would be used to do the following:
Purchase and/or fix equipment and tools (e.g. sewing machines)
Purchase materials (e.g. cloth for sewing, embroidery thread)
Build a new womens group centre in the village
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Build a water irrigation system for gardens
Bring in knowledgeable persons to train women in various skills (e.g. fruit preservation)
Activities UndertakenPlease refer to Appendices 4 & 5 for data.
Some womens groups, when they were active, were involved in only one activity (e.g. sewing only),
while others were engaged in multiple activities. Their past activities are listed below. The number
of womens groups that engaged in each activity follows in brackets. Please refer to Appendix 4.
Sewing (13)
Wine-making (1)
Catering and/or snacks (4)
Crafts (3)
Cotton spinning (1)
Embroidery (2)
Painting (3)
Tye-dye (1)
Making baby slings (1)
After surveying womens groups in the communities, some revealed that they want to do more
activities than they have in the past. Please refer to Appendix 5. Desired activities of groups (some of
which are past activities) include:
Sewing (11)
Wine-making (1)
Catering and/or snacks (6)
Crafts (6)
Cotton spinning (4)
Embroidery (5)
Painting (1) Tye-dye (1)
Weaving (4)
Knitting (3)
Crochet (4)
Beads (2)
Tibisiri (4)
Gardening and/or farming (5)
Pottery (1) Poultry and pig rearing (1)
Note that Beads and Tibisiri can be considered as Crafts, but has been broken out to outline
specific crafts mentioned by womens groups.
Descriptions and examples of activities can be found in Appendix 7.
Currently, the Isharatoon WomensAssociation in Aishalton is involved in catering and snacks. They
make and serve meals for many events and meetings (e.g. public village meetings) while also selling
food, juice, and snacks at their womens centre. Food/snacks include chicken foot, methai, polourie,
fudge, and dhal puri. They make fresh juice every day; flavours include mango, cherry, and it.
The Shulinab Womens Group is presently sewing hammock nets, sewing bags, embroidering designs
and crocheting trimmings on cloths, making bands/bracelets with embroidery thread and beads, and
making wine, jam, jelly, and snacks. The group focuses on knowledge-exchange and encourages all
group members to teach one another new skills. For example, if one woman specializes in crocheting,
she will teach all interested women how to crochet. The Shulinab Womens Group meets every
Wednesday.
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The church-based womens group in Maruranawa focuses on sewing exclusively. They buy materials
from town and ship it to the village to make clothing and uniforms for students. They have not
indicated interest in expanding their skill-set as of yet.
TrainingWomens groups in all villages have indicated that they require training in several skills. The skills
mentioned by groups include:
Financial managementincludes bookkeeping and budgeting
Proposal/grant writing
Leadership
Sewing
Please see Appendix 6 for reference.
Sewingwas mentioned as a desirable skill because many of the womens groups already have some
knowledge of sewing and measuring. They want to be trained to further enhance their sewing and
measurement skills as well as improve the variety and quality of their products.
It should be noted that many sewing machines belonging to womens groups are broken and there
arent many (if any) local persons who can fix them. It may be beneficial to train local persons to fix
sewing machines in addition to teaching them sewing skills.
Administrative skills are also important to womens groups. Bookkeeping was mentioned as a
desirable skill by 10 groups, budgeting was mentioned by 3 groups, and proposal/grant writing by 5
groups. Financial management, in a general sense, was mentioned by 9 groups in discussions. For
the purposes of this report, bookkeeping and budgeting have been categorized under financial
management.
Financial management was expressed as one of the most important skills for groups. Losing track
of money (e.g. loans) and over-spending were listed as major causes for the collapse of financial
stability (and sometimes the operations and existence) ofwomens groups. Training in bookkeeping
and budgeting would help groups keep good financial records and allocate money appropriately for
present and future uses.
Proposal/grant writing, though only mentioned by 5 groups, should also be trained to all womens
groups. Many of the womens groups that are not active have stated that they require funding to re-
start. Training in proposal writing would allow the groups to apply for grants and potential funding.
Leadership skills should also be taught to womens groups, especially those in executive positions.
Topics such as planning, coaching, effective communication, public speaking, conflict resolution, andtime management, among others, should be addressed.
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NOTES FROM GROUP DISCUSSIONSThe data collected from questionnaires do not capture all the comments offered and non-verbal cues
displayed by the women interviewed. The facilitators have documented some observations below and
recorded comments not captured by survey questions.
Participation & CommitmentIn most villages, participation in womens groups is an issue. Groups are in need of more interested
persons and active memberspeople who will be enthusiastic about the activities and goals of the
womens groups. When it comes to meetings and discussions, people in elected positions (e.g.
Chairwomen) tend to do most of the talking for their groups while other members contribute on an
infrequent basis.
Some groups have also experienced that some of their executive members (e.g. Treasurers,
Secretaries) are not actively participating in activities and/or meetings. They accept their positions
and do not turn up to attend meetings and take care of their responsibilities. This lack of
participation and commitment is an issue for womens groups who are trying to run effectively.
Sand Creek has three womens groups, but only one was represented at the time of the
questionnaire. One of the Sand Creek womens groups has a well-known history of strong activity,
but is currently not functioning. The Sand Creek womens group representatives participated in
discussions a lot more in comparison to groups in other villages.
There is also a lack of youth participation in most villages, an exception being Parikawarunawa
where young women were passionate and participating actively in answering questions.
MarketsLack of markets is a major issue for womens groups. Sometimes, local markets are not enough;
women are discouraged from producing due to a lack of sales. Note that this applies for some, not all,
products; for example, the sales of snacks and drinks in villages with events, fundraisers, and a
higher population can be successful.
In Rupunau, the womens group attempted to carry their baby slings to Lethem, but there was no
market for them. One woman stated that the people in Lethem do not know how to use them and
they use alternative means to carry their children. This may indicate that baby slings can only easily
be sold locally.
Another thing to consider is the import of lower-priced goods, specifically Chinese manufactured
products. There is a big quantity of such goods in Georgetown and Lethem; products include, but are
not limited to, household items, automobile parts, furniture, and clothing. It is difficult to compete
with the prices of Chinese manufactured goods, so womens groups may find that they are unable to
sell items such as clothing at a profit.
As previously mentioned, sales of food and drinks can be successful. In Aishalton, there is a market
for snacks, meals, and fresh juices. The womens group earns income through the sales of these as
well as catering. The Shulinab Womens Group has also earned income by selling snacks and drinks.
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In addition, they have made money from the sale of jams, embroidered cloths, and wines. These two
villages have enough demand in their local markets to support their activities and are in a good
position in terms of local market demand.
Skills and TrainingSome skills, e.g. sewing, can be taught to womens groups by local villagers who have the knowledge.
In Maruranawa, the women have identified a man who is skilled in measuring, tailoring, and
sewing. They have expressed an interest in having him train group members.
Many individual group members already have skills such as crocheting, knitting, embroidery work,
wine making, and fruit preservation, to name a few. If womens groups followed the Shulinab
Womens Group method of knowledge-exchange, members would be able to teach each other to
develop skills without bringing in outsiders.
Women mentioned that training in administrative, proposal writing, financial management,
leadership, and other business skills (e.g. marketing, pricing, etc.) can be done via non-governmentalorganizations and external consultants. Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), for example, brings in
experienced and knowledgeable persons who specialize in topics such as financial management,
fundraising, proposal writing, and marketing. Conservation International (CI) also has the resources
to provide training for communities by bringing in consultants if necessary.
Support from Husbands/PartnersThe support level of husbands was commented on in several discussions. Some women felt that the
level of support from their husbands was minimal. A few also expressed that their husbands were
not supportive at all; this has prevented them from attending group meetings and participating inactivities.
According to some women, husbands feel that their wives should stay at home with the children at
all times. Even if children were welcome at womens group meetings and activities, women felt like
they could not attend due to their husbands wishes. In addition, husbands felt that when women
had to go out of the house, it should be to do things for the family e.g. make purchases, tend the
family farm, etc. Jealous was one word that some women used to describe how their husbands felt
about the womens group. The group was seen as a hindrance to the family life as husbands feared
their wives would neglect household duties.
Another reason why husbands did not approve of their wives being involved with womens groups is
due to the lack of actual income generation. The men felt that their wives were sharing knowledgeand doing work for very little, if any, pay.
It is important to note that there are some women who expressed how grateful they are of their
husbands support and encouragement. One male in Aishalton, outside of questionnaire discussions,
even expressed how he was glad his wife had the opportunity to learn new things and earn for their
family.
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NOTES ON THE RECENT DEVELOPMENT OF WOMENS GROUPS
Shulinab Womens GroupIn June 2012, the Shulinab Womens Group met to hold elections in order to re-start the group. It
had been inactive for months prior to elections. Meetings were held to determine which activities
women wanted to partake in. There are now 5 groups which women may be a part of (they can
participate in as many groups as they like):
1. Snacks & catering
2. Sewing & crocheting (e.g. nets & uniforms, kitchen towels, pillows, etc.)
3. Wine making & gardening
4. Preservation of fruits (e.g. jam)
5. Crafts (e.g. beads, cotton, tibisiri)
On August 5, 2012, the Shulinab Womens Group held a fundraiser where they sold all productstheyve made to date. These include wine, jam, jelly, bands/bracelets, snacks, and embroidered
kitchen cloths. They raised a total of GYD $87,000 and are using the funds to purchase more
supplies for their activities.
The Womens Centre in Shulinab village is currently being rented out as accommodation for a
Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) volunteer working with the South Central Peoples Development
Association (SCPDA). For rent, VSO pays GYD $35,000 a month to the Shulinab Womens Group.
This steady income will continue until February 2013.
Parikawarunawa Womens GroupThe Parikawarunawa Womens Group submitted a proposal in 2012, via Behi Barzegar of
Conservation International, for a new project which aims to revive the sewing activities the group
used successfully in the past as a source of income generation. The project also aims to ensure its
sustainability by providing simple repairs and maintenance skills as well as a means to access spare
parts and further technical input.
In addition, the project targets the upgrade of hygienic standards in food premises currently used by
the women to prepare snacks for school children. The kitchen will be upgraded and technical
assistance and start-up funding will be provided to re-start and maintain a community kitchen
garden. The proposal has been informally approved and funds are pending.
Aishalton Womens GroupThe Isharatoon WomensAssociation (IWA) in Aishalton is currently involved in catering and
making/selling snacks and fresh juice. Their Womens Centre, located at the centre of the village and
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RECOMMENDATIONSThe following recommendations are suggested in a general sense, with no specific time frame in mind.
Time frame, budget, and logistics will be addressed in SCPDAs Strategic Plan which is currently
being reviewed.
Pilot GroupsThe South Central Peoples Development Association (SCPDA) is dedicated to building capacities of
communities and the empowerment of women, among others. SCPDA serves 17 communities in the
South Central and South Rupununi, but only 3 of the womens groups surveyed are active.
It is recommended that SCPDA work with the existing active womens groups in Figure 1.
Starting or re-starting operations of groups would be more difficult than building on already existing
and functioning ones, so only one inactive womens group appears in Figure 1. SCPDA can treat
these womens groups as pilot projects. In addition, SCPDA has offices in Shulinab and Aishalton,
which makes the womens groups in these villages very accessible.
The church-based womens group in Maruranawa is small and self-sustaining, so it may not require
much help from SCPDA, but there is a non-active village womens group in the same village. SCPDA
can use this group as a pilot for the re-starting of inactive womens groups in other villages.
Working in Maruranawa will allow capacity building for both womens groups in the village.
It is important to note that the groups in Figure 1 are pilot groups. Lessons learned from working
with/for the pilot groups can be applied to future projects targeting womens groups in other villages.
Figure 1: Recommended groups that SCPDA should work with
Village Womens Group Active/Non-ActiveAishalton Isharatoon WomensAssociation Active
Maruranawa Roman Catholic Womens Group Active
Maruranawa Maruranawa Womens Group* Non-Active
Shulinab Shulinab Womens Group Active
*The Maruranawa Womens Group has no funds to work with at the moment. Work with them will
have to be held off until enough funds are acquired to re-start the activities of the group.
Recommendations going forward will apply to the womens groups listed in Figure 1.
Skills & TrainingSCPDA can help provide training to womens groups by planning, facilitating, and funding trainingsessions where possible.
The womens groups in Figure 1 have stated that they would benefit from additional funding.
Keeping this in mind, it is recommended that members of womens groups go through some training
for proposal writing. Womens groups can benefit from grants and they should be able to write
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proposals by and for themselves. SCPDA currently has a Fundraising and Public Engagement
Advisor (a VSO volunteer) who has experience in proposal writing and can help with this training.
It is important to note that the villages of Aishalton and Maruranawa have access to the internet
and can actively search and apply for grants online. Shulinab is close to Lethem which also enables
them to access the internet from time to time and submit proposals. Thus the proposal writing skill
is essential for all groups.
Another important skill is financial management. Once womens groups have successfully
acquired funds for their groups, it is important, especially for Treasurers and Assistant Secretary
Treasurers, to be financially responsible. Grantors, banks, and other funders, often require
statements to ensure that their grant money is being used appropriately and responsibly. Training
for bookkeeping and budgeting will be beneficial for all women, even if they are not members of the
executive team. SCPDA currently has an Enterprise Development Advisor (another VSO volunteer)
who can help with financial management topics.
Skills can be taught via a work-shop, in small groups, or via one-on-one training depending on the
skill. For example, it may be beneficial to conduct training in small groups for bookkeeping (e.g. forthe executive team) or one-on-one for Treasurers, but it may make more sense to teach budgeting in
a larger workshop as individuals can apply those skills to their household/personal lives.
This report previously mentions leadership and sewing as desirable skills according to womens
groups. These are also essential skills; however, leadership skills are made of many components and
can be addressed (and targeted towards executive team members) after training in proposal writing
and financial management has occurred. Proposal writing and financial management training would
benefit a greater number of people and should be priority.
Sewing was listed by Maruranawa and Shulinab as a skill to be trained in. It would be valuable to
wait until the Parikawarunawa Womens Group has completed their sewing project before starting
sewing training for other villages. Lessons learned and notes from the Parikawarunawa WomensGroup sewing project can be used to structure sewing training for other womens groups. It may also
be possible to use local Parikawarunawa women as trainers for other villages. This would save on
consulting fees and encourage knowledge sharing between women in different villages.
Knowledge exchange between group members and between villages should be encouraged. Skills
such as crocheting, bead-jewelry creation, and jam-making can be shared by individual members to
the rest of their group or from one womens group to another. This will help bring people with similar
interests together and can strengthen bonds between women.
FundingInitial funding for womens groups and projects can be acquired through grants. SCPDA can apply
for funds on behalf of the womens groups and/or can assist womens groups with applying on their
own. Training in proposal writing will enable womens groups to apply for grants aimed specifically
for and at women and womens groups.
According to the 3 active groups, they would use funds to purchase materials/ingredients, fix
equipment (e.g. sewing machines), and bring in knowledgeable people for training. Grants are likely
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required to fund high-cost items like equipment.
Once womens groups have some money and feel they are in a stable financial position, they will be
able to use their savings to drive their activities. Womens groups in Shulinab and Aishalton, for
example, are generating incomes and are already using their profits to purchase materials.
The goal is to make the income-generating activities of womens groups sustainable so that they do
not have to rely on external organizations, grant money, or loans, to function on a continuous basis.
MarketsProducts such as jams, wine, meals, snacks, and drinks are usually sold in local markets due to their
perishable nature. Womens groups can sell food and refreshments at local events (e.g. sports games)
and festivals (e.g. Heritage month). Vegetables from kitchen gardens, once established, can also be
sold to local villagers. Items such as kitchen cloths, bands/bracelets, and other crafted products can
be sold locally as well.
Due to the accessibility and ease of selling to local communities, local markets should be focused on.
It is costly to transport products to bigger markets (e.g. Lethem or Georgetown) and there is no
guarantee that the products will sell in such markets.
Stores like to see products before they decide to stock and sell them. It may not be worth it to
transport products out of villages only to have them come back if stores are unwilling to sell them.
In addition, local market demand is easier to monitor and cater to.
Commitment & ParticipationAll members should be encouraged to participate in meetings and activities. Leaders should giveconfidence to their group members and actively listen to the opinions and suggestions of everyone. A
supportive group will make members feel comfortable with speaking up. Once womens group
members have had training in leadership, the executive body should have more knowledge in
motivating their members.
Commitment by executive group members should be high. Prior to elections, it should be made clear
that executive members are expected to attend all meetings and participate in activities the majority
of the time. It is important that executive members have a high commitment and high participation
level; as leaders of their group, they should lead by example. The success of the group depends on the
dedication and enthusiasm of its members, especially those on the executive team.
Local Support SystemsVillage Councils should support their womens groups. They can do this by making announcements
for/about the group at public meetings and/or hiring the womens groups to cater their meetings and
functions. With support from village councils, community members may be more likely to support
womens groups as well.
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The support from Village Councils (whose councilors are predominantly male) will hopefully trickle
down to those husbands whose wives would like to participate in women s groups. With their
husbands support, women may feel more inclined to join in on activities and feel less guilty about
taking time out of their days do so. Supportive husbands will give confidence to women and increase
their faith in their own skills and abilities.
Without supportive husbands, it will be difficult for women to partake in womens group activities if
family conflict is to be avoided. Examples of supportive husbands can be seen by looking to the
current chairwomen of the womens groups in Aishalton and Shulinab. These women have very
supportive husbands who understand the importance of and encourage the development of women.
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CLOSING REMARKSIn preparing SCPDAs Strategic Plan for the next 10 years, women and womens groups were
identified as target groups to serve and work with. Using questionnaires and group discussions, the
women of South Central and South Rupununi gave some great feedback about past and present
successes and challenges. Their suggestions are to be taken into account when drafting SCPDAs
Strategic Plan.
The collective goal for projects pertaining to womens group is to help them in the development of
sustainable income-generating activities and to build their capacity to manage their enterprises
without the help of external persons and organizations (e.g. consultants, NGO funding).
The data presented in this report should be used as a guideline when conceptualizing projects for
womens groups in the South Central and South Rupununi. More in-depth consultations are required
for individual village projects, but this paper will provide a general idea of what is happening with
womens groups in the South Central and South Rupununi communities.
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APPENDICES
Appendix 1Womens Group Questionnaire
________(Village)________ Womens Group
When speaking with women or womens groups, you can obtain information through an informal
group discussion. This can take place before the Management Plan Dissemination presentation or
afterwards. It shouldnt take more than an hour.
The following questions are important for this research:
1. Is the womens group functioning and active?
2. When is the last time the womens group held elections?
3. Who are the members of the executive team? (Chairwoman, Vice, Secretary, Treasurer,
Assistant Secretary Treasurer, etc.)
Chairwoman:
Vice-Chair:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Assistant Secretary Treasurer:
Board Members:
Other:
4. How many general members/participants are there in the womens group? How many are
active?
5. What are the past and current activities of the womens group? For example: catering,
sewing, crafts, jewelry, etc.
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a. Which of the above activities of the womens group have been successful and which
have failed?
b. Are the successful activities still ongoing? If not, why?
6. What are the activities that women want to be involved with in the future (that are not
currently being done)?
7. Does the group feel they are in a stable financial situation? (You may have to ask the
Treasurer if members or the executive body are unsure)
a. If the group does not feel they are in a stable financial situation, why do they think
that is and what can be done to resolve this? For example, more knowledge in
applying for grants, more knowledge in bookkeeping, etc.
b. If the group feels they are in a stable financial situation, what do they think has
contributed to this? For example, is it because the Treasurer is knowledgeable in
bookkeeping or maybe there are a lot of funds available to them?
8. Are there any other general concerns/comments the Womens Group has regarding their
existence and operation?
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Appendix 2Shulinab Womens Group Questionnaire
Shulinab Womens Group
When speaking with women or womens groups, you can obtain information through an informal
group discussion. This can take place before the Management Plan Dissemination presentation orafterwards. It shouldnt take more than an hour.
The following questions are important for this research:
1. Is the womens group functioning and active?
Yes
2. When is the last time the womens group held elections?
May 6, 2012
3. Who are the members of the executive team? (Chairwoman, Vice, Secretary, Treasurer,
Assistant Secretary Treasurer, etc.)
Chairwoman: Faye Fredericks
Vice-Chair: Karen Vincent
Secretary: Leonicia Laurindo
Treasurer: Gracelyn Williams
Assistant Secretary Treasurer: Calvin Josie
Board Members: Christina Clement, Theresa Lewis
Other: N/A
4. How many general members/participants are there in the womens group? How many are
active?
35; 20 active
5. What are the past and current activities of the womens group? For example: catering,
sewing, crafts, jewelry, etc.
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Sewing, crafts (jewelry), wine making, hammock netting, snacks & refreshments
a. Which of the above activities of the womens group have been successful and which
have failed?
Successful: sewing hammock nets, wine making, snacks & refreshments
Unsuccessful: sewing clothes (could not compete with ready-made clothes sold atshops at a cheaper cost), crafts (no quality control)
b. Are the successful activities still ongoing? If not, why not?
Yes, they are starting up again.
6. What are the activities that women want to be involved with in the future (that are not
currently being done)?
weaving traditional cotton hammocks
7. Does the group feel they are in a stable financial situation? (You may have to ask the
Treasurer if members or the executive body are unsure)
a. If the group does not feel they are in a stable financial situation, why do they think
that is and what can be done to resolve this? For example, more knowledge in
applying for grants, more knowledge in bookkeeping, etc.
b. If the group feels they are in a stable financial situation, what do they think has
contributed to this? For example, is it because the Treasurer is knowledgeable in
bookkeeping or maybe there are a lot of funds available to them?
- monthly income from VSO is steady
- there is a financial system set in place with rules and guidelines (e.g no more loans);
more accountability
- money is to be used to generate more income instead of remaining idle
8. Are there any other general concerns/comments the Womens Group has regarding their
existence and operation?
N/A
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Appendix 3General Information about Womens Groups
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Appendix 4Past Activities of Womens Groups
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Appendix 5Desired Activities of Womens Groups
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Appendix 6Skills Needed/Wanted from Womens Groups
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Appendix 7Descriptions and Examples of Activities
Activity Descriptions and/or Examples
Beads using beads to make bands/bracelets or earrings; decorating
clothing pieces
Catering and/or snacks cooking for meetings and functions or providing snacks (e.g.
methai, chicken foot)
Cotton spinning process (or spin) prepared cotton roving into workable yarn or
thread
Crafts band/bracelet making (e.g. with embroidery thread, cotton);
may include beads or tibisiri
Crochet crocheting using cotton, embroidery thread, and/or yarn into
clothing, bags, hats, or decorating cloth pieces
Embroidery stitching design patterns onto cloths
Gardening and/or Farming establishing vegetable gardens or farms collectively
maintained by group members
Hand-painting painting pictures/portraits of landscape and scenery
Kitting knitting using cotton and/or yarn into clothing, bags, hats
Pottery creating vassals, cups, pots, etc. out of clayPoultry and Pig Rearing chickens and pigs to supply catering operations or to sell
Sewing hammock nets, uniforms, clothing, bags
Tibisiri weaving tibisiri into bands/bracelets, necklaces, headbands,
baskets
Tye-dye dying patterns on t-shirts
Weaving weaving cotton into traditional Wapishana hammocks or
traditional clothing, or weaving baskets out of leaves
Wine-making using locally available fruits (e.g. jamun, sorrel, banana,
pineapple)