Oct 14, 2026
2 min read
Girls should be taught from an early age to understand loans, spot online scams and save, to protect them from financial exploitation, the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) said.
The Commission called for financial literacy to be taught more widely in schools on Tuesday, as it brought together 65 students and 32 teachers from Regions Three and Four for its third annual observance of International Day of the Girl Child.
WGEC Chairperson Indranie Chandarpal said early money skills help girls plan for their education and careers.
"A girl who learns to set a savings goal today can become a young woman who plans for tertiary education tomorrow," she said.
She said a student who understands how interest, loans and contracts work is "better prepared to avoid exploitation and make informed choices."
Chandarpal said financial literacy must also cover the digital world.
"We must equip girls with practical digital financial skills, how to use an account or e-wallet; how to make safe digital payments; how to protect a PIN, password, and personal information; how to identify suspicious messages, scams, and fraudulent links; how to verify transactions; and where to seek help when something goes wrong," she said.
The Commission wants financial education built into schools and youth programmes, alongside greater access to banking services, digital tools and mentorship. It said the skills could help girls pursue careers and businesses and participate more fully in Guyana's growing economy.
