Lady Cherie Blair, founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, emphasized the vital role of women in Guyana’s rapid development. Speaking on the Energy Perspectives podcast, Blair highlighted the impact of women’s empowerment on economic progress.
Blair’s advocacy stems from personal experience. Raised by her mother and grandmother, she learned early the importance of women supporting themselves. “Unless a woman has her own money, it becomes very difficult for her to navigate the things that life may throw at you,” she said.
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Blair cited a 2017 BBC interview where she noted that women’s lack of access to education and economic power costs the world US$12 trillion in opportunities. She acknowledged that COVID-19 had set progress back, but recent improvements offer hope. “This year, the World Economic Forum anticipated 152 years before women’s economic gender gap is closed, an improvement of 17 years from last year’s estimate,” Blair stated.
Blair’s foundation aims to revolutionize business opportunities for one million women by 2030. So far, it has reached 250,000 women. She praised the contribution of Guyanese women, noting that one in 25 women in Guyana use the foundation’s HerVenture app, which provides business training and skills. “Eight out of 10 women have improved their business outcomes shortly after using the app,” she shared.
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“When women gain confidence, they tend to charge more and realize they are worth more,” she said. She also highlighted the diverse range of businesses women are engaged in, from construction to professional services.
For Guyanese women to lead in the country’s economic transformation, Blair emphasized the need for targeted financial products, enabling laws, and childcare support. She praised the government’s commitment and cooperation with local banks and organizations.
Blair concluded by encouraging women to seek mentors and build supportive networks. “When women come together, they are a force to be reckoned with,” she said, noting that success in the oil and gas sector could fuel broader economic development.
