Once again, several women have been chosen for their outstanding contribution to
their communities and for being role models to girls across the country. The National
Women’s Commission continues to spearhead this event by recognizing women’s
achievement in different field of work and recognizing that we all must be the change
we want to see in Belize. These women clearly demonstrate that they were willing to
be the change they wanted to see in Belize. Each of them deserves our admiration
and respect because they have served Belize well. They have opted to share their gifts
and skills so that their communities could benefit. They have opened their hearts to
those around them and have gifted them with their own lights. Other agencies and
organizations have been invited to honor and acknowledge women for the outstanding
contributions they have made to the organization or to the community. It is because of
these women and the many others like them that we celebrate this Month.
The theme for this year’s Women’s Month was: #EmbraceEquity: This inclusive theme challenges everyone to continue to challenge gender inequalities, and not only embrace gender equality but also push for gender equity to ensure women have that fair and equal chance at every opportunity.
Recognizing that many organizations may want to be more involved, the National Women’s Commission adapted this resource packet specifically for use during 16 Days of Activism Campaign aiming to raise awareness about 16 Days of Activism and efforts to combat GBV. Additionally, it hopes that ideas found in the Resource Package will help with the advocacy for the elimination of all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in public and private spheres through a united voice.
Originally, International Women’s Day was commemorated in Belize by planning and executing a week of activities in March. In 2009, to provide more agencies with opportunities to highlight women’s issues and the achievements of women in observance of International Women’s Day, the Women’s Department transformed what was originally Women’s Week into Women’s Month in March.
Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world. Globally 1 in every 3 women has suffered from violence in her life; and out of 10 women, 6 are killed by their partners or family members. According to the Multiple IndicatorCluster Survey 2015-2016, in Belize, almost an equal proportion of men and women (1 in 20 or approx. 5%) believes a husband is justified in hitting or beating his wife.
Did you know that lockdown measures and school closures affect girls and women differently across the world and may have long-term negative effects and consequences? Although it became apparent that with COVID-19, the mortality rates were higher for men than for women, it is still women who are more likely to bear the brunt of the social and economic consequences of the pandemic including Gender-Based Violence.
Victims of gender-based violence now have an additional hotline to call for assistance. The National Women’s Commission with funding from the Spotlight Initiative and technical support from UNFPA, launched the second 0-800 Gender-based Violence hotline on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at the Eastern Division Police Department on Queen Street, Belize City.
To address the dynamics of gender-based violence and the issues of masculinity in our society, the National Women’s Commission and Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network, with funding support from the British High Commission designed and implemented a Barbershop Forum in November 2019 to further engage men and boys in Belize on the importance of prioritizing key interventions in reducing violence against women and boys while also ensuring that the key issues concerning men and boys were also being addressed.
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