Introduction / Rationale: Guyana is a multicultural nation with a population of 826,353 which gained its independence from Britain in 1966. It is the only anglophone country in South America with a Caribbean culture. For decades, Guyanese women have engaged in occupations in and outside of the home and have made a significant contribution to society. However, Guyanese women continue to experience increase economic hardship, sexism and classism, and many occupational roles that women engaged in are not identified or well-documented.
Objectives: This study provides an understanding of Guyanese women experiences in post-colonial society.
Methods / Approach: Historical Research: This study uses a historical research design that involves uncovering data, understanding and interpreting past events to gain insights and conclusions about the past. Both primary and secondary artifacts were utilized in this study using a diary with timed entries, interviews, photographs, songs, poems, the constitution and household items.
Results / Practice Implications: The occupational profile of the Guyanese woman is very complex with rich cultural histories. Migration to the city and an economic structural adjustment program resulted in women redefining their occupational roles. Women created occupations in the informal economy to care for their families. This information provides contextual knowledge of influential factors to facilitate client success.
Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: Findings from this research i.) indicate that women creatively engage in activities to maintain societal structures despite sex or class and ii) increase visibility of marginalized women and their roles in unrecognized occupations. Findings from this study also increase inquiry into the phenomena of how Guyana women navigate their occupations despite their many barriers.