SCLAN

SPOUSES OF CARICOM LEADERS ACTION NETWORK

Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) is the advocacy & action platform which aims to tackle issues related to the health and well-being of women, adolescents & children in the Caribbean.

Our vision is a Caribbean without HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, cervical cancer, early pregnancy, human trafficking and violence where women and girls know their value and ability to reach their potential.

SCLAN’s mission is a Caribbean free from HIV, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy and cervical cancer, with long term goals set forth by the global community including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Every Woman, Every Child Global Initiative and the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016-2030).

Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) is the advocacy & action platform which aims to tackle issues related to the health and well-being of women, adolescents & children in the Caribbean.

Our vision is a Caribbean without HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, cervical cancer, early pregnancy, human trafficking and violence where women and girls know their value and ability to reach their potential.

SCLAN’s mission is a Caribbean free from HIV, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy and cervical cancer, with long term goals set forth by the global community including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Every Woman, Every Child Global Initiative and the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016-2030).

Former Chair

Her Excellency Rossana Briceño

Special Envoy for the Development of Families & Children

H.E. Mrs. Rossana Briceño is the Former Chair of SCLAN for 2022 - 2024. However, she remains an Executive Member of SCLAN, a network launched by First Ladies and Spouses of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in 2017 to address the region's social and human development.

Since its launch, SCLAN has partnered with the private and public sectors, United Nations agencies and civil society on 15 projects within CARICOM.

Its aim is to advance the Global Strategy for Women, Adolescents and Girls, the "Every Woman, Every Child Initiative," and the advance the 2030 SDG Agenda.

SCLAN BELIZE

OUR GALLERY

Global First Ladies Unite to Strengthen Support for Families, Children, and Communities

On September 25th, 2025

I was honored to join the First Ladies of The Bahamas, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Republic of Guatemala, the Republic of Ecuador, and the First Lady of Gabon for a meaningful panel discussion under the Global First Ladies and Gentlemen Network (GPWN).

Our dialogue underscored the importance of reflecting on the unique challenges and responsibilities of serving as First Ladies, while also sharing strategies for overcoming them. We exchanged experiences on the impact of our roles, the initiatives we have advanced, and the next steps we envision in strengthening support for families, children, and communities.

This engagement reaffirmed the value of the GPWN as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and solidarity, demonstrating that through collective leadership, we can amplify positive change across the globe.

Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network - SCLAN Members Meeting

September 23rd, 2025 | UNGA 80

I had the honor of attending the ALMA (Alliance of Spouses of Heads of State and Representatives of Latin America) Presidency Transition Ceremony at the Permanent Mission of Panama in New York City.

This occasion was a celebration of continuity and collective purpose as we expressed gratitude to the outgoing President of ALMA, the First Lady of Panama, Mrs. Maricel Cohen de Mulino, and welcomed the incoming President, the First Lady of Guatemala, Dr. Lucrecia Peinado.

I commend Mrs. Cohen de Mulino for her devoted leadership, which strengthened ALMA’s ability to protect children, advance education and health, and foster social solidarity throughout our region. I also warmly congratulate Dr. Peinado as she assumes this important role, bringing with her a lifelong commitment to health, development, and the empowerment of vulnerable populations.

This transition underscores that while leadership may rotate, our shared mission to uplift communities and transform lives with empathy, dignity, and equity remains steadfast. United in purpose, we will continue to strengthen collaborative initiatives across Latin America.

Championing Compassionate Leadership: Belize’s Voice at the UN’s 80th Anniversary High-Level Event

On September 24th, 2025

I had the honor of participating in the Joint High-Level Side Event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, marking the 80th Anniversary of the UN.

It was a privilege to join fellow First Ladies, Gentlemen, and distinguished leaders in highlighting how humanitarian leadership and the power of compassion can transcend borders and drive transformative change.

I shared Belize’s experiences in advancing cancer care and education equity, two flagship initiatives that reflect how soft power, when grounded in empathy and collaboration, can deliver tangible results for vulnerable families and children. From strengthening cancer advocacy and access to treatment, to ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to learn and thrive, these efforts remind us that our influence is not ceremonial, but catalytic.

Together, we reaffirmed that when we unite compassion with action, and local solutions with global solidarity, humanitarian leadership becomes a powerful instrument for advancing peace, prosperity, and human dignity for all.

H.E. Rossana Briceño Represents Belize at Prestigious Global First Ladies Academy in New York

H.E. Rossana Briceño was honored to have been invited to attend and represent Belize in the third annual Global First Ladies Academy, a 3-day executive leadership training in health and development, hosted by the Global First Ladies Alliance (GFLA) and the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health at the Ford Foundation in New York City.

This academy brought together First Ladies and First Partners from across Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Latin America. The purpose of this academy is to equip participants with the knowledge, strategies and global partnerships needed to strengthen our leadership and continue to drive transformative change nationally and globally.

The program provided vital insights into current trends, priorities, critical research and approaches to address critical issues such as mental health, gender-based violence, maternal health, food security and climate change.

Attending this academy has been an insightful experience that will significantly enhance the efforts and outreach of my office. By deepening our understanding of current global issues and fostering a strong network of First Ladies and First Partners, we are better prepared to advocate for positive change and social transformation in Belize, as well as implement effective and impactful initiatives.

H.E. Rossana Briceño looks forward to applying the knowledge gained to strengthen educational, health, and social development programs, advance our advocacy efforts and continue our commitment to improve the lives of families and children in Belize.

Global First Ladies Alliance (GFLA) & Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health

H.E. Rossana Briceño was pleased to accept an invitation to the Second Annual Global First Ladies Academy, a prestigious three-day executive leadership training focused on health and development. Hosted by the Global First Ladies Alliance (GFLA) and Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, the academy brought together First Ladies from around the world in collaboration with organizations such as the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the Alliance of Spouses of Heads of State and Representatives of Latin America (ALMA), the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN), and the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.

During this immersive program, H.E. Rossana Briceño had the privilege of engaging with esteemed colleagues and learning from the collective expertise of over twenty First Ladies. The academy provided invaluable insights into addressing critical global issues including cancer prevention, chronic disease management, maternal and child health, food security, and gender equality through evidence-based approaches.

Participation in the academy promises significant benefits for the Office of The Special Envoy for The Development of Families and Children. The focus on strategic planning, office management, and leadership skills equips H.E. Rossana Briceño and her senior advisor, Ms. Carballo, to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of their initiatives. By integrating global developments and fostering a supportive leadership community, they are poised to advocate for transformative change in Belize.

Networking with diverse First Ladies enriched perspectives and promoted collaborative solutions to local challenges, aligning their efforts with international standards and enhancing credibility on a global scale. The academy’s comprehensive training prepares participants for influential roles in national and international contexts, ensuring a proactive response to evolving global dynamics.

H.E. Rossana Briceño eagerly anticipates applying the knowledge gained to bolster educational and development programs, strengthen advocacy efforts, and advance their mission of improving the well-being of families and children throughout Belize.

Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network - SCLAN Official Handing Over Board

The official handing over of the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) board in Miami, USA. The ceremonial event marks a significant milestone in the transition of leadership within the organization.

As the outgoing chair, I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Mrs. Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry, First Lady of the Republic of Suriname, on assuming the esteemed position of Chair, and to Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, First Lady of the Bahamas, on her appointment as Vice Chair of SCLAN.

I am honored to remain as an executive member of SCLAN and working alongside Mrs. Santokhi-Seenacheery and Mrs. Davis in advancing the objectives of SCLAN and accelerating progress across its five pillars.

Together, we are poised to make meaningful contributions to the betterment of our region and its people.

Training of Trainers program "Engaging Men & Boys to Advance Gender Equality & Help Prevent Gender-Based Violence"

The transformative three-day Training of Trainers program, "Engaging Men and Boys to Advance Gender Equality and Help Prevent Gender-Based Violence."

In a world where achieving true gender equality remains an ongoing struggle, this workshop stands as a beacon of hope and progress.

Over the next three days, the 25 invited counselors, principals, and past trainers will embark on a journey to explore, understand, and actively engage men and boys as crucial allies in the fight for gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence.

Our collective efforts are founded on the recognition that gender equality is not solely a women's issue but a fundamental human right that requires the involvement and commitment of all genders.

By empowering men and boys to challenge traditional gender norms, dismantle harmful stereotypes, and advocate for positive change, we can foster environments where everyone can thrive free from discrimination and violence.

Thank you to UNDP, UNICEF, SCLAN, the Office of the Special Envoy, and invited guests for making this event possible.

High-level Meeting on the Margins of the 78th United Nations General Assembly

The Government of Belize, Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network -SCLAN, SE Comisca, UNDP Belize, and UN Foundation co-host a high-level meeting on the margins of the 78th United Nations General Assembly entitled Building Climate Resilient Health Systems to Achieve Universal Health Coverage on Tuesday, the 19th of September, 2023.

ALMA | Alliance of First Ladies of Latin America Meeting

H.E. Mrs. Briceño, Chair of SCLAN met with ALMA (Alianza de Conyuges de Jefes de Estado y Representatives) which consists of First Ladies from Costa Rica, Panamá, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador, and Paraguay.

They discussed the work of SCLAN and ALMA in the area of gender- based violence and NCDs. H.E. Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States of America also joined the conversation as a special guest.

It was certainly a pleasure to meet everyone, and we look forward to working together in the future.

Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network - SCLAN Members Meeting

On September 18th, 2023, the SCLAN Executive held a hybrid meeting from New York as they attend events for the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly.

The First Ladies that attended included H.E. Rossana Briceno, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize and Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, Chair of SCLAN, Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry ⁓ First Lady van de Republiek Suriname, First Lady of the Republic of Suriname, Vice Chair of SCLAN, H.E. Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, Spouse of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, H.E. Mrs. Kristin Burt, Spouse of the Premier of Bermuda and H.E. Mrs. Sharon Rowley, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

The First Ladies discussed current and future projects along with planning head for 2024. We thank all those who participated.

Meeting with H.E. Fabiola Yáñez, First Lady of Argentina

H.E. Mrs. Rossana Briceño, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize and Chair of SCLAN had the honor to meet with H.E. Fabiola Yáñez, First Lady of Argentina and member of the Alliance of First Ladies of Latin America (ALMA) to discuss the important issues affecting our countries and areas of collaboration. We look forward to future collaboration with ALMA.

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scLAN pROJECTS

Engaging Men and Boys

Relay for Change: Mentoring Youths to Prevent Violence in Belize

The ‘Engaging Men and Boys to Advance Gender Equality and Help Prevent Gender-Based Violence’ was developed. Spearheaded by the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) and the National Women’s Commission’s (NWC) with support from Spotlight Initiative, a global partnership between the European Union and the United Nations, this project aims to create agents of through its two-tiered Training of Trainers and Workplace training sessions approach. Its primary outcome is to provide a space for sensitization of men and boys challenging views about masculinity and gender using role modelling and the positive deviance approach to transform attitudes and beliefs which contribute to family violence.