16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Activities 2024

Engaging Men and Boys to Advance Gender Equality: Successful Training Sessions Held at Maud Williams High School and Anglican Cathedral College

As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the "Engaging Men and Boys to Advance Gender Equality and Help Prevent Gender-Based Violence" training sessions were successfully held at Maud Williams High School on November 12 and Anglican Cathedral College on November 14.

Over the course of two days, students participated in two-hour sessions aimed at:
• Understanding the laws surrounding domestic violence
• Building healthy relationships grounded in respect and equality

By empowering our young men and women with this knowledge, we are planting the seeds of change to create a future free from violence.

Let's continue educating, inspiring, and advocating for a safer, more equitable society!

Free Gender-Based Violence & Legal Consultation for Women

On November 23rd, 2024, H.E. Rossana Briceno had the privilege of attending two powerful events in Orange Walk Town today, both focused on empowering and supporting women in the community.

The morning began with the Free Gender-Based Violence & Legal Consultation for Women, where critical topics such as divorce, custody, access to medication for HIV/AIDS prevention, teenage pregnancy, and women’s rights were discussed by expert lawyers. It was inspiring for her to witness women taking steps toward understanding their rights and seeking the support they need. Special thanks were extended to Mrs. Michelle Irving and the legal experts who made this session so impactful.

Following that, H.E. Briceno participated in the "No Excuse" Self-Defense & First Aid Workshop at People’s Stadium. This empowering event equipped participants with vital skills to stay safe and prepared in any situation. The confidence and resilience instilled in the women through this training were truly rewarding.

She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers—Orange Walk Central, the United Women’s Group, and The Office of The Special Envoy for The Development of Families and Children—for making these events possible. Together, they are helping to create a stronger, safer, and more empowered Belize for all.

Educational Fair to Promote Gender Equality and Raise Awareness

On December 3rd, 2024, as a part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the staff at the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children participated in an educational fair hosted by the National Women's Commission.

The purpose of this fair was to promote awareness and share more about the work the office has been doing including our initiatives held under SCLAN, particularly our "Engaging Men and Boys to Advance Gender Equality and Help Prevent Gender-based Violence".

Thank you to all the students who visited our booth and participated in our learning activity.

Collaboration to Empower Girls at New Beginnings Youth Hostel with Financial Literacy, Self-Love, and Health Lessons

As part of The Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children activities for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the staff of the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children in collaboration with Mrs. Michelle Irving, the director of POWA, visited the New Beginnings Youth Hostel.

The purpose of this visit was to share with the girls at the facility lessons in financial literacy, self-love, and feminine health.

This initiative included an activity where the girls had an opportunity to practice their budgeting skills and received clothing items, thanks to those that were donated by the Simply Help Foundation, Taiwan in Belize, Michele Irving.

Keynote Address at Domestic Violence Panel, Advocating for Collective Action to End Gender-Based Violence in Belize

On December 10th, 2024, H.E. Rossana Briceno had the privilege of delivering the keynote address at a panel discussion on domestic violence hosted by the Love Foundation. The event, held under the theme "Promoting Respect and Equity Together: Our Collective Roles in Ending Violence Against Women and Girls," brought together stakeholders, community leaders, and passionate individuals dedicated to addressing the critical issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Belize.

In her remarks, H.E. Briceno emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling the systemic inequalities that perpetuate violence against women and girls. She stressed that ending GBV requires not only robust laws but also a shift in societal norms, alongside inclusive programs that engage both men and boys as allies in fostering equality and respect.

The panelists, including Ms. Azalia Laurieu, Clinical Social Worker; Ms. Diana Shaw, Attorney-at-Law; Inspector Shani Avilez, BPD Domestic Violence Unit; and Ms. Mindy Pratt, provided critical insights, particularly highlighting the need to revise Belize's Domestic Violence Act to reflect the evolving nature of abuse. They underscored the importance of strengthening the judicial process to support survivors, issuing protection orders, and addressing the barriers survivors face when reporting incidents, such as fear, shame, and societal pressures.

The panel also discussed the importance of identifying red flags in relationships, from emotional manipulation to physical control, especially among young people. The sobering statistics shared during the discussion revealed that 88% of GBV perpetrators in Belize are men, and the Caribbean region experiences one of the highest rates of GBV globally. However, there is hope through education, community advocacy, and accessible resources for survivors.

The forum reaffirmed that every individual, whether through mentorship, policy advocacy, or providing support, has a role to play in creating a Belize where all women and girls are valued, empowered, and free from violence.

As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence come to a close, H.E. Briceno encouraged all to remain steadfast in their commitment to ending GBV and promoting equity, believing that together, a safer and more inclusive society for all can be built.

Back to Projects