I

This survey is intended to get your views on women in decision-making in yourcommunity or region. Your information will be handled with strictconfidentiality; as such we invite your honest opinions. The findings will besubmitted to the National Democratic Institute to prepare future programs forwomen.

Questionnaire No. _______ [Interv

SECTION A SOCIA 1. *

Where do you live (Region)? 6 ٱ 5 ٱ 4 ٱ 3 ٱ 2 ٱ 1 ٱ

* 2.

Age: 49–40 ٱ 39-30 ٱ 29-18 ٱ

* 3.

Ethnicity: ٱ ٱ ٱ ٱ Afro Indo Portuguese

* 4.

Highest Level of Education: ٱ ٱ ٱ Primary Secondary Tech/Voc

5. *

Certificates Obtained: CAPE/GCE ٱ CXC/GCE O’level ٱ Other, specify ٱ Degree ٱ

* 6.

Religion: Christian ٱ Muslim ٱ Hindu ٱ

* 7.

Marital Status: Widowed ٱ Married ٱ Single ٱCommon-law Union (Reputed) ٱ

8.

Number of Children in the fo 11-5 ٱ 5-3 ٱ 2-1 ٱ Not Applicable ٱ

* 9.

Employment: Domesti ٱ Landlady ٱ Vendor ٱ Hou ٱ Sales Agent ٱ Manager ٱ _ Other, specify ٱ Nurse ٱ

* 10.

Monthly Net Income Range 34,99–15,000 ٱ Below 14,999 ٱ 24-150,000 ٱ 149,999-100,000 ٱ

APPENDIX

iew Starting Time: Finish Time: ]

L BACKGROUND

____________________

10ٱ 9 ٱ 8 ٱ 7 ٱ

and over 70 ٱ 69-60 ٱ 59-50 ٱ

ٱ ٱ ٱ Chinese Amerindian Mixed Other

ٱ ٱ ational University No formal education

A ‘Level ٱ SSPE ٱ Diploma

Not Applicable ٱ __________

None ٱ Other ٱ Rastafarian ٱ

Separated ٱ Divorced ٱ Visiting Relationship ٱ

llowing age groups: and Over 17 ٱ 16-11 ٱ

c ٱ Clerk ٱ Supervisor ٱ Farmer

sewife ٱ Teacher ٱ Professional

________ (tick as many as apply)

(GYD): 99,999-55,000 ٱ 54,999-35,000 ٱ 9

Above 500,000 ٱ 499.999-250,000 ٱ 9,999

1

SECTION B COMMUNITY/POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT *

11.

Are you active in any of the following groups or organisations?

Membership

Position Held

Duration of Existence

Organisation/Group

Active M. Member 0-10yrs 11yrs/ More

a. Community Group b. Women’s Group c. Religious Group d. PTA e. Trade Unions f. Youth Clubs g. Sport Clubs/Groups h. Other, specify

12. *

What were your reasons for joining the group/organisation?

a. Shared the concerns and interests of the group b. Wanted to build my self-confidence and ability to deal with issues c. The need to organise activities for the betterment of the community/village d. The need to build linkages with the local government authority, ngos and other

groups

e. I want to be a political activist. f. The possibility of accessing funds for projects g. Not Applicable h. Other, specify

13. *

What factors discourage you from community activity?

a. Too busy with family responsibilities b. Too busy with the work c. My race/ethnicity d. Lack of qualifications; please explain e. Lack of family/community support f. My partner discourages me g. Lack of funds h. I think males do a better job i. Political rivalry within the village/community j. Never been interested in community activities k. Other, specify

2

14.

Are you politically active? Mark councils you sit on?

Position Held Selection ** Level of Government/Party Chair Councillor Elect/d Appoint/d

a. Community Development Councils b. Amerindian Village Council c. Neighbourhood Democratic

Councils

d. Regional Democratic Councils e. Parliament f. Political Party g. Other, specify h. Not Applicable

15.

What prompted you to run for office?

a. I wanted to improve the environment of the community b. I felt it would be good for career development c. I have the qualifications, skills and experience to solve the problems of my

community

d. I am an excellent spokeswoman e. Other women encouraged me to run f. Men encouraged me to run g. A political party asked me to go on their slate h. Not applicable

16. *

How did you finance your campaign?

a. Personal money b. Contributions from relatives c. Fund raising activities d. Donations from business people e. Political party finance f. Other, specify

17. *

Have you ever contributed money or other resources to an election campaign?

a. I volunteered money b. I volunteered time and facilities c. I helped to raise funds d. I was asked for donations by a fundraiser

3

e. I have never been asked by anyone 18. *

Why did you choose not to run for office?

a. It would take too much time away from my family b. It would take too much time away from my paid work c. Politics is too dirty and ugly d. I may lose my job/ friends if I publicly identify with a political party e. I worry about the safety of my family f. Financially, it isn’t worth the trouble g. My family will not support the decision to run for office h. I did not receive tangible help with child care and transportation i. Other, specify j. Not Applicable

19.

What would have to change to make you run for office?

20. *

Did you vote in the General and Regional Elections, March 2001? How did you decide which party to vote for?

a. That party had the best plans for developing Guyana b. That party intended to look at issues important to me c. That party would look after my community/people better d. My spouse supports that party e. My family always vote for that particular party f. I felt other parties had discriminated against me and my family in the past g. Choices were few so I voted for the least of all evils h. Not Applicable

21. *

Have you supported a particular political party in the past?

Yes No

22. *

Do you intend to vote in the next Local Government elections? Why or why not?

4

ADVOCACY - a series of publicly supported written or verbal recommendations designedto influence public officials to implement or change, a new or existing policies.

SECTION C ADVOCACY and NETWORKING

23. *

Have you or anyone in your group, received training in any of the following areas?

Training Done Yes No a. Leadership Skills b. Strategic planning c. Record keeping d. Budgeting and Accounting e. Report and Proposal writing f. Campaigning/ Advocacy g. Public Speaking h. Legal requirements for the group i. Membership development j. Other, specify

24. *

Does your group have a work plan? (Tick the elements that are part of that plan.)

Elements of the Work Plan Yes No a. A strategy that is reviewed or updated annually b. Elections for office bearers c. Fundraiser(s) d. Governing rules and regulations e. An annual list of priority activities to work on f. Advocacy g. Timelines

25.

When deciding what issues are priorities do you/your group place more emphasis on issues of importance to women? If yes, name two (2) of the issues your group works on.

5

26. *

Have you /your group ever been involved with any advocacy campaigns?

TYPE OF CAMPAIGN Yes No (Un) Successful a. Domestic Violence b. Safe and Healthy Environment c. Better Health Care/ Facilities d. Better Roads/Bridges e. Women’s Rights

f. Other, specify * 27.

How were funds raised for advocacy activities?

a. Contributions from residents b. Contributions from members c. Individuals and non-governmental organizations with the same interests d. Fund Raiser(s) e. Group’s annual budget f. Funding agencies g. Other, specify

28. *

Did you/your group involve others in planning and implementing the advocacy campaign?

Organization/Group Yes No Targets(W/M)

a. General public/residents of the community b. Government ministry/agency c. People affected by the issue d. Reporter/ Journalist e. Local Authority f. Business people g. Religious Groups h. Other, specify

29. *

How did you/your group publicise the advocacy campaign?

Medium Yes No

a. Public meetings b. Newspaper/Radio/Television Reports c. Newsletters d. Flyers and Posters e. Loudspeakers f. Word of Mouth g. Not Applicable

6

30.

What are the specific results of the advocacy campaign?

31. How did you/your group follow- up on advocacy campaign?

32. *

Has your group collaborated with another group or organisation in any of the following ways?

a. Meetings b. Written position statement c. Lobbying actions d. Small projects e. Research and information sharing f. Fundraising g. Other joint program-related activities, (specify)

33. *

In what ways did your collaboration with another group or organisation contribute to the outcome of the project?

a. Greater financial resources b. Additional technical skills and knowledge c. Greater influence d. Moral Support e. Not at all

34. *

Do you think two or more groups working together: (Tick as many as apply)

a. Have greater success b. Have more strength c. Use less resources and accomplish more d. More effective e. Cause dissatisfaction f. Cause confusion g.

7

SECTION D. MEDIA 35. Which media do you think adequately represent women’s issues? * Media a. Newspaper Chron. Stab.N Kait. Mirror N.Nat Cath.

S

b. Radio RR 98.1 Fm

c. Television CH 2

CH 6

CH 7

CH 9

CH 11

CH 28

CH 65

d. News magazine Guy. Rev e. No Access to Local

Media

36. *

Identify three female politicians in Guyana who speak to issues of importance to women.

i. ii. iii. 37. *

Does the media consult female “experts” on issues of public interest as often as they consult male “experts”? Always Sometimes Never Can’t Say

38. *

In your opinion are the roles and images of Guyanese women positively portrayed in the media? Always Sometimes Never Can’t Say

* 39.

Which media do you find most accessible to ordinary women?

Media a. Newspaper Chron. Stab.N Kait. Mirror N.Nat Cath.S b. Radio RR 98.1 c. Television CH

2 CH 6

CH 7

CH 9

CH 11

CH 28

CH 65

d. News magazine Guy. Rev.

e. Internet f. No Access to Local

Media

40. *

In your opinion what are the 3 (three) most important women’s issues raised in the media?

i. ii. iii.

8

41. *

Have you /your organisation ever used any of the following methods to publicise an issue?

METHOD Yes No a. Press releases b. Letters to the Editor c. Appeared on a talkshow d. Call in programs (Radio/TV) e. Articles for a newspaper or magazine f. Press conferences g. Paid Advertisements h. Flyers/Newsletters i. Other, specify

42.

Where you do turn for information about what is happening in Guyana? Indicate your top three sources in order of priority?

Source a. Newspaper Chron. Stab. Kait Mirror N. Nat b. Radio RR 98.1 c. Television news Capitol Prime

N. 6

O’clock Even/g News.

Updt.

d. Talkshows (specify) e. News magazine Guy.

Rev

f. Word of Mouth g. No Access h. I don’t follow local

news

43. *

Why do you choose the sources indicated at Q. 43?

a. Topics are of interest to women b. Topics are educational c. Hosts are responsible d. Shows are balanced e. I can share my views on TV/ Radio f. I like the entertainment

44.

What issues of importance to women would you like to see get media attention?

i. ii. iii.

9

SECTION E WOMEN’S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

45.

Have you ever attended any of the following public meetings? (Mark against those you have attended?

Meeting Yes If no, why? NI DC DK MD LC

a. Constitutional Reform Consultations b. Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme

Consultations

c. Joint Local Government Task Force Consultations

d. NDC meetings e. RDC meetings f. Municipal Council meetings g. Amerindian Village Council meetings h. “Local Government Decentralization”

Public Meetings

i. Other, specify NI=Not interested, DC=Don’t Care, DK=Didn’t Know, MD=Makes no

difference, LC=Lack of confidence.

46.

What were the issues addressed at public meetings you attended?

47. *

What factors prevented you from attending public meetings? (Mark against as many as apply.)

a. I was not aware of the meeting(s) b. I was not interested in the issues c. I thought the meeting had a political agenda d. I thought it was only for officials or other important people e. I was afraid of violence f. It was at an inconvenient time g. The location was too far away i. Family Responsibilities j. Not applicable.

48.

*

Do you actively participate in public meetings? Make comments and ask questions, etc. Always Sometimes Rarely Never

10

49. *

What is your relationship with councillors in your community?

Yes No a. I only know their names b. I only see them at election time c. I know who they are d. I have written or spoken to them to discuss problems or

issues

e. Councillor(s) respond in a timely manner to problems f. Councillor(s) are always available to the community

50. *

Are you aware of provisions in the constitution, which enable women to participate in decision-making as equals to men?

Provision Yes No a. Prevention of all forms of discrimination against women b. Electoral provisions for 30% women on voter’s lists c. Women’s rights as human rights d. Local government laws which provide that individuals or

groups can run for local office

51. *

In your opinion can an increase of women in elected/appointed positions make a difference in the development of your community? Major Difference Little Difference No Difference

52. *

If you could vote for an individual candidate would you be more likely to vote for a woman? Yes No Can’t Say

53.

*

What three factors would influence you to vote for a female candidate

a. Knowledge of the issues affecting the community b. Problem-solving Skills c. Reliability and Responsibility d. Friendliness e. Intelligence f. Beauty and Charm

11

54.

In which case or circumstance are women more likely to work across party lines on specific issues than men?

a. Local government b. Regional level c. National level d. Community groups e. Other, specify

55. (a) *

Would it make a difference in the way politics is conducted in Guyana if women work across party lines? Major Difference Little Difference No Difference

(b) If no difference, briefly explain

56.

**

Do you think there is any benefit for a network of women politicians from all the political parties in Guyana? Yes No Can’t Say

IF no, briefly explain

57. What issues could such a network address? *

58. *

In your opinion what are some of the reasons that so few women participate in politics?

a. Not educated enough b. Lack of confidence c. Not given a chance d. Burdensome family responsibilities e. Not ambitious enough f. Other, specify

59. *

Do you feel that issues affecting women would be better dealt with if there were more women in the parliament? Yes No Can’t Say

Thank you for the participation.

12

APPENDIX II Interview Schedule Section 1 What is the composition of the group and how decisions are taken? Questions can be asked about selection of office holders etc. To what extent has the group been able to recruit new members? How is the group financed? What are the mechanisms for accountability/consultation with group members and/or the public? Section 2 What are the activities of the group? What the factors that enable /discourage further action? What factors encouraged the formation of the group and those participants to join? Section 3 Has the group been able to work with other groups? If yes, in what areas do they collaborate? What are the specific results of the network? Does the group have a strategic plan? Did the group ever advocate for change on any issue? How does the group publicise and raise funds for the campaign?

Section 4 How has the group used the media to tell their story? Also check the access the groups has to mass media as well as how they have made use of non-traditional media flyers, posters etc. Section 5 Does the group think that women’s involvement is an important factor in the political development of Guyana?

APPENDIX III

Community/Group Consultations

Region Name of Group/Local Authority

Community Date of Consultation

1 Mabaruma Settlement CDC, Thomas Hill CDC, Bumbury Women’s Group, Women of Whitewater, Port Kaituma Women’s Group, 4 Miles Women’s Group

Mabaruma, Thomas Hill, Bumbury Village, Mabaruma Whitewater, Wuana Port Kaituma, 4 Miles, Port Kaituma

Dec. 8, 2002 Dec. 8, 2002 Dec. 9, 2002 Dec. 9, 2002 Dec.10, 2002 Dec.10, 2002

2 Pomona Women and Youth Reaching Out Bounty Hall Women’s Group

Pomona Village, Essequibo Coast Bounty Hall, Essequibo Coast

Jan. 3, 2003 Jan. 3, 2003

3 Mindin Rose Youth, Culture and Sports Club

Bagotsville, West Bank Demerara Jan. 15, 2003

4 Women Across Differences Queenstown, Georgetown Jan. 8, 2003

5 Blairmont Women in Development Group, Hopetown Parent in Action Group

Blairmont, West Coast Berbice Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice

Jan. 16, 2003 Jan. 16, 2003

6 Women of New Amsterdam Municipal Council, Women Community Development Committee of Region 6 (27 Affiliated Women’s Groups)

New Amsterdam, East Berbice East Berbice, Corentyne

Jan. 16, 2003 Jan. 16, 2003

8 Campbelltown Women’s Group, Tumatumari Women’s Group

Campbelltown, Mahdia Tumatumari/ El Paso

Jan. 3, 2003 Jan. 4, 2003

9 Helping Hands Women’s Group, Lethem Women in Development Group Lethem Community Development Council Harimipong Women in Development Group

St. Ignatius Village, Rupununi Lethem, Rupununi Lethem, Rupununi Kumu Village, Rupununi

Jan. 17, 2003 Jan. 16, 2003 Jan. 16, 2003 Jan. 17, 2003

10 Women of Neighborhood Democratic Council Women’s Affairs Bureau Reg#10

Linden Linden

Jan. 03, 2003 Jan. 03, 2003

APPENDIX IV

KEY INFORMANTS

Name Organisation Date of Interview

1 Anne Forde Councilor – RDC

Dec.7, 2002

2 Sharon Santiago Councilor – CDC

Dec.7, 2002

3 Claire Boyer

Councilor – RDC Dec.7, 2002

4 Shanta Springer Pomona Women & Youth

Jan.3, 2003

5 Cheryl Sampson Chair, National congress of Women,

Jan.14, 2003

6 Andaiye Red Thread Women’s Development Programme,

Jan.13, 2003

7 Roxanne George Member, Guyana Association of Women Lawyers

Jan.7, 2003

8 Magda Pollard Chair, National Commission on Women

Jan.7, 2003

9 Sheila Holder Member of Parliament, GAP/WPA

Jan.7, 2003

10 Nalini Narine Director, Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute

Jan.8, 2003

11 Denise Dias Mothers in Black

Jan.8, 2003

12 Yvonne Harewood-Benn Member, National Congress of Women

Jan.9, 2003

13 Indra Chandrapal Member of Parliament, PPP/C

Jan.22, 2003

14 Gemma Tain-Naim CARICOM

Jan.21, 2003