16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2025

On Thursday, December 4th, 2025, and Friday December 5th, 2025, my office in collaboration with Spouses of Caricom Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) proudly hosted two meaningful lunch discussions in Belize City to educate, empower, and uplift our young people. Day one, “Plates and Perspectives”, brought together girls from Wesley College, ACC and Maud Williams High School. Day two, “Food for Thought”, brought together boys from Wesley College, ACC, and Maud Williams High School.

During the panel discussions, students engaged in conversations on understanding and preventing gender-based violence, safe relationships and respect, making positive choices, encouragement and motivation to become leaders in their schools and communities, the importance of speaking up and supporting each other and the importance of mental health and well-being.

Our distinguished panelists included:

Hon. Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Human Development, Family Support, and Gender Affairs

Mrs. Adelie Catzim-Sanchez, CEO of the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs

Mr. Malcolm Nunez, Councilor for Youth, Sports & Wellness, Belize City Council

Mrs. Christa Courtenay, Professional Counselor, Monarch Counseling and Consulting

We were also honored to be joined by the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. John Briceño, who delivered inspiring words of encouragement, guidance and advice to both the young girls and young men, and Mr. Eluide Miller, Deputy Mayor of the Belize City Council, who delivered welcoming remarks.

Together, these sessions helped equip our young women and young men with awareness, confidence, and perspective, creating a more safer and empowered Belize.

An extended heartfelt thank you to our panelists, students and attendees who contributed to the success of these events.