Guyana

Guyanese participants described poverty as “a state of mind,” an economic problem, and a lack of access to resources. Some of the major causes of poverty are related to politics and policies, racism, discrimination, a culture that oppresses women, promiscuity, unemployment and under-employment, and dependency on remittances. Participants described wealth as the availability of economic resources and power. Wealth may lead to easier access to medical facilities, education, good jobs, scientific and technological research, and also faithfulness and happiness.Women and girls experience poverty differently from men and boys since women are more likely to be suppressed in the society. Additionally, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination in the workplace are all major barriers towards the development of women. The Guyanese government has developed several poverty-eradication strategies such as the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper which includes developing the hinterland and inland agriculture, welfare and the provision of affordable credit, vocational and entrepreneurial training, and in the health sector, the provision of free treatment for HIV.

According to participants, everyone has an important role to play in the eradication of poverty through efforts, which include the provision of access to skill building, and the development of eco-tourism and agro-tourism among others. Religion is an important factor in understanding and coping with poverty. Religion provides a stronger faith in God and His power. Through faith, people gain a feeling of protection and hopefulness. Churches and religious organizations are active participants in the fight against poverty. Some of the efforts include affordable child-care facilities, food programs for school children, life-skills training programs, relief funds and moral and spiritual education programs for children such as the Bahá'í-led “Youth Can Move the World” initiative. Finally, participants believe that justice is crucial in the development of poverty-alleviation strategies to ensure fairness in the workplace and overall social equality.

Other country summaries: Brazil, Haiti, India, Namibia, Turkey