Andaiye

“I’m not saying this to be pessimistic. I’m saying it to say that we all know that if we want to change people we have to start from where they are”. (October 24, 2018)

The above quote was taken from a dedication to Andaiye’s memory, work and activism. This revolutionary figure, born Sandra Williams changed her name to Andaiye meaning ‘a daughter comes home’ departed this world in May 2019.  Andaiye was beloved by many in Guyana, the Caribbean and wider global community. She was a fighter, an activist and organizer whose work and embodiment stood against injustices and in solidarity with women’s rights activism in Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas.

Her contributions sought to put women’s organizing especially grassroots women as forefront of her work thus she was a founding member of Red Thread. She was also a founding member of the Working People’s Alliance in 1978/79, where she worked as Coordinator and Editor, International Secretary and Women’s Secretary, until 2000. In 1987 – 1992 she worked with the Women and Development Unit of the University of the West Indies (WAND), and from 1987-1996 with CARICOM, as resource person during preparations for the 1995 Beijing Conference.

Andaiye played a lead role in measuring unwaged work. Her other affiliations included executive member of the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA), member of Women of Colour in the GWS (Global Women’s Strike) and the International Women Count Network.

A fighter, having survived cancer and founding the Guyana Cancer Society and Cancer Survivors’ Action Group. 

May she rest in power, peace, blessings and light. And may we continue to be inspired by her essence and work before us.