The Global Women in Management (GWIM) programme was launched in September 2021 and participants were drawn from NGOs, community institutions, women’s associations and businesses.
Eighteen Guyanese have graduated from this programme recently, after six months of training in leadership and management skills.
According to a statement from Exxon, the GWIM programme is designed to build an individual’s capacity so they could strengthen the capacity of their institutions and businesses by implementing projects to advance their communities.
ExxonMobil Guyana’s Community Relations Manager Suzie De Abreu said the enhancement of communities is an important aspect of ExxonMobil Guyana’s social responsibility.
“Providing opportunities like this programme forms part of our commitment to women’s empowerment and knowing, as we do, that empowered women empower others, I am truly excited to see how you infuse that into your communities.”
Meanwhile, leadership coach and guest speaker Rawle Dundas charged the graduates to use their knowledge and tools to make a difference in their communities.
“My challenge to you is to stride forward confidently with those new tools, understanding that tools are only as good as the hands of the person who uses them. But because you special women have embraced this initiative of being leaders, and not just another person in a management position or in a position of responsibility, you know your role as leaders is about making a difference.”
A statement explained that the programme offered weekly, live facilitated sessions along with self-guided assignments, group work, and workshops. The Guyanese women also received coaching and are now part of a global and country-level alumni network of almost 1,000 women from 77 countries. The ExxonMobil Foundation has invested some $40 million in the local GWIM project in support of women's empowerment.
