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 Indicator Cluster 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.
The struggle victims and survivors face during“normal” times worsen during an emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing and other strategies to curb the spread of the virus may significantly impact the provision of essential protective services for women and girls who experience or are at risk of experiencing gender-based violence(GBV), making it essential for safe spaces and shelters to continue providing such safe housing without placing their staff at risk.
As such, the National Women's Commission (NWC)with funding from the Spotlight Initiative, a global, multi-year partnership between the European Union and the United Nations to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, has donated an assortment of cleaning and sanitizing supplies to two shelters that provide emergency housing for victims and survivors of GBV. The donation was handed over by the Executive Director,Cynthia Williams, to Mary Open Doors and Haven House representatives. Additionally, Mary Open Doors received needed bedroom supplies to expand its service delivery. Both shelters will also be receiving personal protective equipment(PPE) later this month.
The National Women’s Commission commends the timely support of the Spotlight Initiative during these times of emergency where COVID-19 adds another layer of uncertainty and insecurity to those living in violence.
If you are experiencing violence or know of someone who needs safe housing, contact the Women’s Department at 227-7397 for additional information. Or if you are in danger and require urgent and immediate attention, call 0800-A-WAY-OUT.
UNFPA Caribbean, Haven House Belize, Mary OpenDoors, UNDP Belize, UNICEF Belize, Belize Red Cross, Belize Police DepartmentEastern Division North, Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation& Poverty Alleviation
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.
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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.
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