Although global efforts are already quite visible as it relates to realising gender equality, the fact remains that gender inequality still exists, and has potential daunting impacts for a world in which men and women are forced to coexist. Moreover, achieving equality is a process that would require a paradigm shift of the perception of inequality.Members of the S4 FoundationAt least this is the deduction of University of Guyana Lecturer and Trustee of the Guyana Foundation, Mr Eric Phillips.Phillips’ disclosure was forthcoming as he addressed the third consecutive ‘One Billion Rising’ forum recently held at the National Library in Georgetown.? The forum is one spearheaded by the Sisterhood of Support, Service and Sustainability (S4 Foundation) and was held under the theme “Men and Women Standing Shoulder to Shoulder for Gender Equality and the World we Want.”Phillips, in a rousing speech that boasted of insights into how women’s empowerment and revolution can be achieved, sought to use examples and analogies from history, famous women, philosophy, and even his audience’s preconceptions to shine light on some of the real reasons inequality exists.? He was then able to skillfully highlight pertinent ways to bring about change that “we all desire.”In keeping with the theme, the diversity of speakers at the forum included Retired High Court Judge and Retired Specialist Consultant in International Conflict Resolution and President of the United Nations Association of Guyana, Justice Donald Trotman; Mrs. Diana Swan-Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer of the Women and Gender Equality Commission and Ms. Chelanna Providence, Social Change Coordinator of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination, who spoke in the stead of the group’s Managing Director and Founder, Joel Simpson. Also among the speakers at the forum was Sister Jean of the Brahma Kumaris.As part of his task of delivering remarks at the forum, Justice Trotman, shared an international perspective on gender inequality, beginning historically with the United Nations’ role in policy-making to the present-day organs and multi-national facets that fund and proliferate the cause.In the quest to achieve equality through the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, the UN has been able to observe that “in many countries,Nike Air Max Invigor Ireland, gender inequality persists and women continue to face discrimination in access to education, work and economic assets, and participation in government. For example, in every developing region, women tend to hold less secure jobs than men,Scarpe Adidas Superstar Outlet, with fewer social benefits.”As part of her contribution to the forum,Scarpe Adidas Nmd r1 Scontate, Mrs. Swan-Lawrence, cited numerous cases of hate crimes occurring in political and decision-making offices both in the Caribbean and abroad that were fueled by gender inequality.Ms. Providence, however, opted to detail gender discrimination locally against the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and its implications both on societal prejudices and the mandate of the judicial system in the same regard.The ‘One Billion Rising’ forum officially kicked off with Mrs Swan-Lawrence paying tribute to the late Dr Faith Harding followed by a song dedicated to Dr Harding’s memory performed by a local gospel artiste. The forum’s entertainment included Songs by Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Jingle and Song Competition winner,Adidas Nmd r2 Nere Scarpe, Ryan Hoppie, musical interludes by Max Massiah and Ras George, dance performances by the all-male youth group, Animation,Adidas Superstar Nere Scontate, and also the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe.There was also a live self-defence demonstration by Massiah,Air Max Axis Ireland, who is affiliated with the Maximum Sports Combat and Strength Show. Other highlights of the forum included the premiere of a Short Film entitled “My Revolution Is…” in keeping with the 2015 ‘One Billion Rising’ theme of Revolution. It also entailed a special message of solidarity from Mr Clive Atwell, the reigning WBC/CABOFE Junior Welterweight Champion.