2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
LAYOUT AND FORMAT OF WOMEN’S MONTH 2016 BOOKLET BY
Cynthia Williams (Human Development Coordinator, Women’s
Department)
Artistic Interpretation of cover design
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
International Women’s Day/Women’s
Month 2016 Message
Hon. Anthony “Boots” Martinez,
Minister of Human Development,
Social Transformation and Poverty
Alleviation
International
Women‟s
Day
is
th
acknowledged across the globe on March 8 , but over the years in
Belize we have evolved to dedicating the entire month of March to
recognize and celebrate the various accomplishments and
contributions that women have made to Belize‟s society and
economy. It is a month of collaboration and cooperation as
governmental,
non-governmental
and
community-based
organizations join together in organizing and executing activities
focusing on women‟s advancement and women‟s rights.
The theme for this year‟s women‟s month is “Pledge for Parity:
Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for
All.” This theme acknowledges that despite all the efforts and
progress that have been made to ensuring gender equality and
equity, there are still barriers to achieving the parity between men
and women that is essential to true development. The theme also
demonstrates that equality cannot be achieved without unity, a
unity that calls for inclusion, partnership and visioning for all. It is
important that everyone, men and women, understand that their
actions contribute to and greatly affect this movement towards
parity. Once this is understood then concrete steps at the individual
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
and collective levels can be taken to dismantle the last bastions of
gender inequality and inequity.
It needs to be fully understood and appreciated by all that gender
equality is not about women trying to take over the world, but
rather, it‟s about women taking their rightful position beside men.
It is about parity. It is about ensuring that there is a level playing
field and creating an enabling environment that allows both men
and women to have equal opportunities to realize their fullest
potential and contribute positively to society in whichever way
they see fit.
Women should not have to down-play their strength and
independence for the sake of trying to preserve men‟s self-image
and security. As men, we should not be threatened by strong,
independent women; we should encourage and embrace them
because stronger women mean stronger families and stronger
families means stronger communities and a stronger society
overall.
It is therefore incumbent on us to do our part in breaking down the
barriers and helping our sisters break through the glass ceilings.
As we strive for parity, we need to always remember to cement our
gains by educating the next generation. We must teach our children
new ways of being, new ways of viewing the world and the
relationship between men and women. We must teach them the
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
profound lesson embodied in the old school yard saying “anything
boys can do, girls can do too.” Our young women must know their
worth. They must be instilled with the necessary values in order for
them to see the contribution they make to their families, to the
community, and to society.
Solid actions must be implemented,
and with the unified forces of men and women, so much can be
accomplished. In a small developing country such as ours we
cannot afford for half of our population to not be functioning at full
capacity of society has placed unnecessary obstacles in the way.
Women‟s Month is a celebration of women‟s empowerment and
represents centuries of struggle for equality, justice, peace and
development. The Women‟s Department in the Ministry of Human
Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation,
along with its partner agencies continue its efforts to change gender
disparities, attitudes and behaviors in Belize in an effort to foster
healthy relationships.
March has been set aside this month to reflect on our mothers, our
sisters, our daughters, our wives- and bear in mind all their
struggles, sacrifices, hardships and achievements. However, let us
not be limited to these 31 days to show appreciation for our
women, let us continuously pledge to “Parity; Strong Women,
Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All” throughout the
year, every year.
Have a Happy Women’s Month!
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Women’s Month Message 2016
Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow
Special Envoy for Women and Children
The phrases gender equality, women‟s rights
and women‟s empowerment are well on
their way to becoming household terms.
This is a testament to the transformative
work and advocacy that has made issues
affecting women a global discussion. It is
also a signal that this is the time to amplify our efforts as the level
of interest and the readiness of our society increases.
We are reminded of this by this year‟s theme for Women‟s Month
in Belize: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World,
Improving Opportunities for All.” To truly achieve parity starts
with an understanding that it is not just about women; it‟s about
balancing those persistent inequalities in leadership roles, cultural
roles and workplace biases among others. This cannot be
accomplished without the support and partnership of our male
counterparts; whether it is through advocating for equity and
gender-balanced leadership, helping women and girls achieve their
goals or simply offering encouragement and moral support.
So while we celebrate how far we have come by uniting as women,
I want to encourage our Belizean men to stand up and join us
making a “Pledge for Parity”.
I congratulate this year‟s awardees and wish all women a Happy
Women‟s Month!
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
International Women’s Day
International Women‟s Day (March 8th) is an occasion marked by
women‟s groups around the world. Putting women and women‟s rights
on the global agenda is the moving force behind this day. It is the story
of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old
struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men.
The tradition of celebrating International Women‟s Day represents at
least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and
development. The idea of a day for women, celebrated all over the world,
began in America and Europe. The focus was the movement for women‟s
rights and achieving universal suffrage for women. Between 1913 and
1917 women held rallies either to protest the war or to express solidarity
with their sisters.
The International Women‟s Day protest that hanged the world occurred
in Russia in 1917 (March 8th by Western Reckoning, February 23 on the
Georgian calendar). Coming on the rise of long struggle and many
strikes, International Women‟s Day 1917 inspired thousands of Russian
women to leave their homes and factories to protest the terrible shortages
of food, the high prices, the world war, and the increased suffering they
had bitterly endured. The protest inspired the last push of a revolution. A
general strike spread through Petrograd, and within a week, Czar
Nicholas II was forced to abdicate. After 1917, and in honor of women‟s
role in the Russian Revolution, International Women‟s Day secured its
place on March 8th on socialist calendars.
The date became official in 1921, when Bulgarian women attending the
International Women‟s Secretariat of the Communist International made
a motion that the day be uniformly celebrated around the world on March
8th.
In the early days of its observance, International Women‟s Day was
celebrated as a socialist holiday honoring working women. With the
resurgence of feminism in the 1960s came a renewed interest in
International Women‟s Day. Feminists found it a ready-made holiday for
the celebration of women‟s lives and work and began promoting March
8th as such.
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
In Belize, the first International Women‟s Day was observed in the late
1970s and was initiated by a strong group of women from various
organizations. Since those early years, International Women‟s Day has
assumed a new dimension for women in Belize. The growing
international women‟s movement, which has been strengthened by four
global United Nation‟s conferences, has helped make the
commemoration a rallying point for coordinated efforts to demand
women‟s rights and participation in the political and economic process.
Increasingly in Belize International Women‟s Day is a time to reflect on
progress made, to call for change and to celebrate the acts of courage and
determination by ordinary Belizean women who have played an
extraordinary role in the history of women‟s rights. Over the years,
International Women‟s Day was commemorated in Belize by planning
and executing a week of activities during the Month of March.
In 2009, in an effort 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.
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
ONGOING THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF MARCH
BELIZE DISTRICT
 Special 15% Women‟s Month discount to all Women,
Belize City, (Organizing Agency: Brothers Habet, Barrack Road)
 Women in Art Exhibit: Uncannily Apt: Not a Label „Your
art can depict our likeness in a positive way.‟, The Art
Gallery at The Mexican Institute, (Organizing Agency: National

Institute of Culture and History in collaboration with the Mexican
Embassy, Contact Person: Karen Vernon) Free
Pap Smear/HIV/Pelvic and Breast Exam Promotion at all BFLA
Centers country wide, (Organizing Agency: Belize Family Life Association)
Cost:$40
MARCH 6 - MARCH 23
STANN CREEK DISTRICT
 “Luk Ya” Women in Art Exhibition, Pen Cayetano Gallery,
Dangriga Town, (Organizing Agency: Women’s Department,
Contact Person: Michele Irving) Open Event
MARCH 14 - MARCH 18
BELIZE DISTRICT
 Mini-workplace Spa Retreat for women staff members of
local companies, throughout Belize City, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 pm.,
(Organizing Agency: WIN-Belize/Winners Women’s Group,
Contact Person: Carolyn Reynolds) Closed Event
MARCH 11TH – MARCH 25TH (FRIDAYS ONLY)
COROZAL DISTRICT

Free Pap Smear, Breast and Pelvic Exam, Corozal
Community Hospital, Corozal Town, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Ministry of Health, Contact Person: Ns. D. Lizama)
Open
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
TUESDAY, MARCH 1
COROZAL DISTRICT
 Women Health Fair, Libertad Health Post, Libertad Village,
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., (Organizing Agency: Ministry of Health and
Women’s Department, Contact Persons: Ns. Donaldine Lizama and
Consuelo Hernandez) Open Event
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2
BELIZE DISTRICT
 Health Talk for Senior Citizen, YWCA Auditorium, Belize
City, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., (Organizing Agency: YWCA Seniors,
Contact Person: Joyce Flowers) Open Event
STANN CREEK DISTRICT
 “Speak Out” Radio Show and Discussion, Hamalali Radio
Station, Dangriga Town, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., (Organizing
Agency: Women’s Department, Contact Person: Michele Irving)
COROZAL DISTRICT
 Women Health Fair, Caledonia Health Post, Caledonia
Village, Corozal District, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Ministry of Health, Contact Person: Ns. D. Lizama )
FRIDAY, MARCH 4
BELIZE DISTRICT
 BA1 Project Official Seed Capital Ceremony, Radisson
Fort George Hotel and Marina, Belize City, Belize, 2:00pm
– 4:00pm., (Organizing Agency: Women’s Department, Ministry of
Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation
and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Contact
Person: Jewel Crawford) Invitation Only
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
COROZAL DISTRICT
 Women Health Fair, Cristo Rey Health Post, Cristo Rey
Village, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., (Organizing Agency: Ministry of
Health, Contact Person: Ns. Donaldine Lizama) Open

GBV Radio Discussion and Talk Show, Romantica FM,
Paraiso Village, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Women’s Department, Contact Person: Consuelo
Hernandez)
STANN CREEK DISTRICT
 Country-wide Tour for the District GBV Committee,
POWA Center, Dangriga Town, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.,
(Organizing Agency: National Women’s Commission, Contact
Person: Ann-Marie Williams) Closed Event

Women‟s Day Rally, Independence High School,
Independence Village, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Women’s Department, Contact Person: Michele Irving)
TOLEDO DISTRICT
 Country-wide Tour for the District GBV Committee, Punta
Gorda Town, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., (Organizing Agency:
National Women’s Commission, Contact Person: Ann-Marie Williams)
Closed Event
SUNDAY, MARCH 6
BELIZE DISTRICT
th
 YWCA 60 Anniversary Church Service, St. John‟s
Cathedral, Belize City, 10:30 a.m., (Organizing Agency: YWCA,
Contact Person: Beverly Brown) Open Event
STANN CREEK DISTRICT
 “Luk Ya” Women in Art Exhibition and Cultural Food
Expo, Pen Cayetano Gallery, Dangriga Town, 2:00 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Women’s Department, Contact Person: Michele
Irving) Open Event
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
TUESDAY, MARCH 8
COROZAL DISTRICT

Sexual and Reproductive Health Workshop, Corozal Junior
College, Corozal Town, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Women’s Department, Contact Person: Consuelo
Hernandez)
TOLEDO DISTRICT
 Sexual & Reproductive Health Workshop for Students at
the Claver College Extension, Claver College Extention
Building, Punta Gorda Town, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Women’s Department,
Contact Person: Lorraine Johnson) Closed Event
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9
STANN CREEK DISTRICT

“Speak Out” Radio Show and Discussion, Hamalali Radio
Station, Dangriga Town, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Women’s Department, Contact Person: Michele Irving
FRIDAY, MARCH 11
BELIZE DISTRICT
 20,000 STRONG/20-4-20 Announcement, Fort George
Memorial Park to Marion Jones Stadium, Belize City, 8:00
a.m. – 12:00 p.m., (Organizing Agency: Special Envoy for Women
and Children & National Women’s Commission, Contact Person: AnnMarie Williams) Open Event

YWCA Motorcade promoting Anniversary Open House,
Streets of Belize City, 4:00 p.m., (Organizing Agency: YWCA,
Contact Person: Nadine Harris)
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
CAYO DISTRICT
 Gender-Based Workshop, YWCA NRCED Compound,
Belmopan, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., (Organizing Agency: YWCA
NRCED, Contact Person: Yvette Gill)
SATURDAY, MARCH 12
BELIZE DISTRICT
 Open House and Sports Day, YWCA Compound, Belize
City, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., (Organizing Agency: YWCA, Contact
Person: Sonia Lenares) Open Event
ORANGE DISTRICT
 Self Defense and Dating Violence Workshop for Young
Women, Banquitas House of Culture, Orange Walk Town,
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., (Organizing Agency: Women’s Department,
Contact Person: Makesha Suazo) Closed Event
SUNDAY, MARCH 13
CAYO DISTRICT
 YWCA Belmopan 4th Anniversary Church Service, Church
of the Nazarene, Belmopan, 9:00 a.m., (Organizing Agency:
YWCA NRCED, Contact Person Yvette Gill) Open Event
MONDAY, MARCH 14
BELIZE DISTRICT
 Professorial Lecture Series Tour “The Roaming
Professors…Exploring Caribbean Feminisms through History,
Culture and Movements of Social Change‟, Bliss Institute for
the Performing Arts, Belize City, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: UWI Open Campus in collaboration with National
Women’s Commission, Contact Person: Jane Bennett) Open Event
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
TUESDAY, MARCH 15
BELIZE DISTRICT
 Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mixer „The
Roaming Professors….Exploring Caribbean Feminisms
through History, Culture and Movements of Social
Change‟, UWI-Open Campus, Belize City, 5:30 p.m.
(Organizing Agency: Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry in
collaboration with UWI-Open Campus, Contact Person: Yorshabell
Cattouse) RSVP [email protected]
CAYO DISTRICT
 Professorial Lecture Series Tour „The Roaming
Professors…Exploring Caribbean Feminisms through History,
Culture and Movements of Social Change‟, University of
Belize Auditorium, Belmopan City, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.,
(Organizing Agency: UWI Open Campus in collaboration with University
of Belize, Contact Person: Jane Bennett) Open Event
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
BELIZE DISTRICT
 „Sleepless Girls‟ Social Drama, UWI, Open Campus Belize
Auditorium, Belize City, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Youth Advocacy Through Arts(YATA & UWIOpen Campus Belize, Contact Person: Mr. Joseph Stamp Romero)
Open Event
CAYO DISTRICT
 Small Business Workshop, The Trek Stop, Succotz Village,
9:0 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., (Organizing Agency: Women’s Department,
Contact Person: Elyne Serano) Closed Event
COROZAL DISTRICT
 Women‟s Economic Empowerment Fair, Corozal Town
Central Park, Corozal Town, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Women’s Department, Contact Person: Consuelo
Hernandez) Open Event
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
STANN CREEK DISTRICT

“Speak Out” Radio Show and Discussion, Hamalali Radio
Station, Dangriga Town, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Women’s Department, Contact Person: Michele Irving
THURSDAY, MARCH 17
BELIZE DISTRICT
 YWCA Anniversary Breakfast, YWCA Compound, Belize
City, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., (Organizing Agency: YWCA,
Contact Person: Jennifer Smith) Cost: $20.00

YWCA Belize 60th Anniversary Launch, YWCA
Auditorium, Belize City, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: YWCA 60th Anniversary Committee,
Contact Person: Ann-Marie Williams) Open Event

Women in Art Exhibit Launch Themed: Uncannily Apt:
Not a Label „Your art can depict our likeness in a positive
way.‟, The Art Gallery at The Mexican Institute, 7:00 p.m.
(Organizing Agency: National Institute of Culture and History in
collaboration with the Mexican Embassy, Contact Person: Karen
Vernon) Free
FRIDAY, MARCH 18
BELIZE DISTRICT
 Self-Defense and Personal Safety Training for Women,
Maskall Community Center, Maskall, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00
p.m., (Organizing Agency: Women’s Department, Contact Person:
De-Ann Buckley) Open Event
ORANGE WALK DISTRICT
 Women‟s Rights and Gender-based Violence Training for
Community Leaders, Red Cross Building, Orange Walk
Town, 9:00am – 2:00p.m., (Organizing Agency: Women’s Department,
Contact Person: Makesha Suazo) Closed Event
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
TOLEDO DISTRICT
 Introduction to Women‟s Legal Rights Workshop for
women in San Antonio Village at Community Center in
San Antonio Village, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., (Organizing
Agency: Women’s Department, Contact Person: Lorraine Johnson)
Closed Event
SATURDAY, MARCH 19
BELIZE DISTRICT
 Self-Care: A Mindfulness Meditation, Yoga and Healing
Arts Retreat, Hattieville Community Center, Hattieville,
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., (Organizing Agency: Women’s Department,
Contact Person: De-Ann Buckley) Closed Event

Conversation on the Intersection of HIV/AIDS and Genderbased Violence, BFLA, Belize City, 10:00 a.m.,
(Organizing Agency: PETAL Women’s Support Group,
Contact Person: Simone Hill) Closed Event
CAYO DISTRICT
 Women‟s Expo, Cayo Welcome Center, San Ignacio Town,
9:0 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., (Organizing Agency: Women’s Department,
Contact Person: Elyne Serano. Open Event)
TOLEDO DISTRICT
 Maya Women celebrating Nineteen years of diversity: culture,
arts, literacy, entrepreneurship Morning Event, St. Daniels
Building, Punta Gorda Town, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Toledo Maya Women’s Council,
Contact Person: Pulcheria Teul - 634-6931)
BELIZE DISTRICT

SUNDAY, MARCH 20
"Two Faiths, One Family: How a Muslim Daughter and her
Christian Mother are bridging their Divide." Krem Sunday
Morning Show, Krem Radio Station, Belize City, 6:00 a.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Bridging Belize Network, Contact Person: Virginia Echols)
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”

Hats & Scarves, Elegant Palm Sunday Luncheon, ITVET
Building, Freetown Road , Belize City, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00
p.m., (Organizing Agency: Belize Cancer Society, Contact Person:
223-0922) Cost $50.00
STANN CREEK DISTRICT
 Dangriga‟s Women of Honor Awards, Mar‟s Place, Dangriga
Town, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., (Organizing Agency: Dangriga Town Council
in collaboration with Women’s Department, Contact Person: Earth Lopez)
TUESDAY, MARCH 22
BELIZE DISTRICT
 11th Annual Outstanding Women‟s Awards, Best Western
Belize Biltmore Plaza, Belize City, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Women’s Department and Office of the Special
Envoy for Women and Children, Contact Person: Cynthia Williams)
Open Event
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23
STANN CREEK DISTRICT

“Speak Out” Radio Show and Discussion, Hamalali Radio
Station, Dangriga Town, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.,
(Organizing Agency: Women’s Department, Contact Person: Michele Irving
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Outstanding Women
The Women‟s Department once again has chosen to honor women
from each district for their outstanding contribution to their
communities and for being role models to girls across the country.
This year, the Department recognizes six women in recognition
that we all must take 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.
The Department also invited agencies to honor women chosen by
their respective organizations to be acknowledged for the
outstanding contributions they have made to the organization or to
the community on a whole. It is because of these women and the
many others like them that we celebrate this Month.
It is important that we take note of all their contributions and use
this momentum to reenergize our efforts in the path that leads to
women‟s empowerment and the respect of their human rights. This
year‟s theme, “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World,
Improving Opportunities for All.” provides us the opportunity to
recognize that although women continue to contribute to social,
economic, cultural and political achievement, the progress towards
parity has slowed in many places. Everyone - men and women can pledge to take a concrete steps to help achieve parity more
quickly - whether to help women and girls achieve their ambitions,
call for gender-balanced leadership, respect and value difference,
develop more inclusive and flexible cultures or root out workplace
bias.
The theme encourages every person to be a leader within their own
spheres of influence and commit to take pragmatic action to
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
accelerate parity. We need to move from talk to purposeful action and with men and women joining forces - we can collectively help
women advance and realize the limitless potential they offer. It is
also encourages women to be mindful of their own needs and seek
to safeguard themselves in all facets of their lives, as mothers,
wives, professionals and citizens.
These fifteen (15) women will be honored at the 11th Annual
Outstanding Women’s Awards Ceremony on March 21st, 2016
at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina at 6:30 p.m.
Congratulations to our 2016 Awardees!
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Mrs. Genara Cano was born in the
village of Xaibe, Corozal District on the
19th September 1959. She got married at
the age of 17 and became a widow at the
age of 39 years. She had two daughters
out of the marriage. Being a widow at 39
years was a challenge for her, since she
had to travel to Orange Walk on a daily
basis to sell fruits and vegetables to make
a living for her family. Besides working
very hard for her family, she had a passion for community work in her
village. She organized groups of youths and women and started teaching
arts and crafts. Mrs. Cano formed the first women group in her
community in 2005 and named it “Meijicole” Women‟s Group which
means hardworking women. She teaches women sewing, embroidering
and hammock making among other skills she knows.
She joined Humana (People to People) in 2006, where she also works
with the community and the schools. One of her main projects is back
yard gardening. Presently, she is working with the Mary Hill Primary
School Special Aid Children. On every Wednesday of the week, Mrs.
Cano goes to Mary Hill and teaches the children sewing and other arts.
This is appreciated by the school and by the parents. She presently has a
dancing cultural children group called “Nich Te Ha” which means Flor
de Agua. They dance la mestizada in social events and this year they
participated in the Carnival. Mrs. Cano believes in preserving the
mestizo culture and her actions speak to her passion for her culture.
She is a role model in the community of Xaibe. Besides the many tasks
she has, she also visits the elderly and gives them love and support.
Any organization that visits the village has to make their first stop at
“Dona Genaria”, as she is fondly known by the villagers. She is always
open to assisting any organization with their programs and activities.
Submitted by: Women’s Department – Corozal
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Mrs. Florentina Choco, the second
child of Mr. Martin Choco and Mrs.
Rosa Choco was born in Santa
Teresa village. Florentina shared
that while growing up, a formal
education was not a priority in her
home, as she and her sisters had to
be on the farm with her parents. She
got married and had her family at a
young age, she is currently a
widow.
Throughout the course of her life, she has always maintained her core
principles of contributing positively to her community through
volunteerism. Over the years, Florentina has developed tremendous
multi- tasking skills, patience, empathy, and an extra drive to succeed in
life, so that in turn she could contribute to a better future for her
community.
In 2015, Florentina was nominated by her community leaders to attend
the India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program, and
with assistance from Plenty Belize and support from her family, she went
to Tilonia Cheslingar, India where she studied at the Barefoot Women
Solar Engineers College. She was trained on Solar Electrification such
as; solar panel, lanterns, lamps, repairs of solar panels, charge controller,
and installation of solar panels. She learned how to sew nets, how to
make candles, chalk and sanitary pads.
She has the passion of tilling the soil; she enjoys farming and harvesting
her produce. Her desire is to one day return to school. With her newfound
knowledge and expertise, Florentina has installed solar panels in almost
all the homes in her community. She is humble and truly an extraordinary
woman.
Submitted by: Women’s Department - Toledo
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Mrs. Phyllis Cayetano née Miranda
was born in Dangriga and got her
primary school education there. She
pursued high school studies at Saint
Catherine Academy and sixth form
studies in Belize City. After teaching
high school for a few years, she attended
Belize Teachers College and later St.
Louis University where she earned a
Bachelor‟s Degree. Mrs. Cayetano
taught at Ecumenical High School from
1976 and later became Principal/ Dean
of the institution.
Over the years she has given much of her time and commitment to
many organizations including the Garifuna Settlement Day
Committee, the Waribagaba Dance Group, NGC, BFLA, National
Women‟s Commission, National Arts Council, Board of Delille
Academy, National AIDS Commission and the Dangriga Town
Council where she was Deputy Mayor in 1998.
As chairperson of the Settlement Day Committee in 1977 she
lobbied for Stann Creek Town to be renamed Dangriga and for
November 19th to be celebrated as a Public and Bank Holiday
countrywide. She is a member of the Red de Mujeres
Afrodescendientes de Latino America through which she has
travelled extensively in Latin America looking at Women‟s Issues.
Mrs. Cayetano is also a Commissioner of the Supreme Court and
was awarded the M.B.E. in 2004.
In keeping with her commitment to the preservation of Garifuna
Culture, she spearheaded the founding of Gulisi Community
Primary School through the NGC. This school follows an IBE
program and she is presently the manager of the school. She is
married to Mr. E. Roy Cayetano and is the mother of three sons
and two granddaughters and several adoptees!
Submitted by: Women’s Department - Stann Creek District
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Mrs. Ofelia Feliciana Novelo nee
Campos is an artisan and instructor
born in Orange Walk Town.
Possessing the natural ability to care
and nurture other, at the tender age
of 15, Mrs. Novelo put her skills to
the test and joined the medical field
as a nurse at the old Orange Walk
Hospital where she assisted in birth
deliveries.
At the age of 18 she met and married Mr. Roberto Novelo and they
were blessed with five children. Presently, Mrs. Novelo is a
volunteer and vice president of the Helpage group in the Orange
Walk District, where she assists in organizing clinics for the
elderly. In 2005, she formed a group known as MAMAS, a
women‟s group which means, Mujeres Ayudando a Mujeres a
Superarse, with English translation, Women assisting women to
succeed. In her role as leader of this group, she had the opportunity
to meet many women in Orange Walk Town and surrounding
villages. Her group teaches women skills for economic
development such as, beading, embroidery, crochet, barbering,
jewellery, handicraft as well as cosmetology. She also played a
pivotal in the identification of talented instructors in all these areas.
Mrs. Novelo believes that not everyone has the opportunity or
means to attend college or university but they are surely able to
learn a skill to become independent, successful and most of all
open their own business to be able to provide for their family and
themselves.
Submitted by: Women’s Department – Orange Walk
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Mrs. Fidencia Osgalla was born to Ms.
Emillia Pulido and Mr. Molina on May 12 th,
1964. She is the youngest of eight children.
She attended La Immaculate Primary
School and later married Mr. Celso Osgalla
at the age of 17. They made four lovely
children and she is now a proud grandmother of 11 adorable
grandchildren.
Mrs. Osgalla started volunteering for her dream job as a nurse at
the Orange Walk Hospital. She later moved to San Ignacio and
started volunteering at NEMO and has been a support to many
individuals for 10 years. Mrs. Osgalla is a true activist; she has
given her time to a number of non-governmental organizations
which includes being an active member of the Cayo Emergency
Response Rescue Team, Women Against Violence Group, Red
Cross as an First Aid Assistant, Corner Stone Foundation, The
Octavia Waight Center, Cayo North Women‟s Group and the
Santiago Juan Layout Neighbourhood Watch where she is a Zone
captain.
Mrs. Osgalla has a desire for justice and is an active member of the
Special Constables of San Ignacio providing aid and assistance to
the police for the past 8 years. Mrs. Fidencia‟s most recent stride
to enhance the quality of life for others is shown in her current
attempts of brining to life an agency which aims to provide jobs
primarily for women. She continues to work at Bishop O.P. Martin
R.C. School as a General Staff Helper and has done so for the past
14 years.
Submitted by: Women’s Department- Cayo District
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Mrs. Dorla Louise Rhaburn
better known as Ms. Dully, is
the fourth child to Ms. Hazel
Flowers and Mr. Alfred Seguro.
Ms. Dully was born in Flowers
Bank Village, where she spent
half of her childhood and then
moved to Biscayne village for a
few years and later returned to
Flowers Bank where she finished her primary education. She did not
get the opportunity to attend high school, and with her mom working
in Belize City because her parents had separated, she had to assume
the role of main caregiver for her four younger siblings. Although she
was unable to continue her studies, that did not change her from being
the kind hearted, caring and loving person that she is. Sometime later
she met her husband and became the mother of six children. She
joined the Belize Family Life Association as an advocate for breast
feeding for some few years. Ms. Dully has this philosophy; that you
should never cook exact food as you never know who will come along
and be hungry. With her passion for sharing and caring she joined the
community Nurses Aid for her community and has fulfilled that role
for over twenty five years. She is well known in the surrounding River
Valley Communities as a person with a huge personality and
charisma. She can be called on for assistance especially when it comes
to preparing meals, whether for parties, funeral or sporting events. She
never seems to get enough, so she extended her wings and joined the
Community Baboon Sanctuary team, which she has been a member
for the past ten years. Miss Dully could always be counted on rain or
shine, leading her to be a part of the Belize Red Cross volunteer team.
She wears many hats, including being president of the Flowers Bank
Community Group Cohune Oil Processing Facility and a member of
the village council for the past five terms. She is currently the head
cook at the Belize Rural Primary School. Miss Dully continues to give
to her community and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
Submitted by: Women’s Department - Belize District
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Joy Ysaguirre, B.A., M.B.A. is the
epitome of librarianship in Belize and has
headed the premier library institution, the
Belize
National
Library
Service
(BNLSIS).
Born in Belize City, Joy Ysaguirre
attended Wesley College, and after stints
as a public officer and as a teacher,
traveled to Jamaica to successfully pursue
a course of study in Library and Information Science at the
University of the West Indies from 1979 to 1983. On her return,
she was posted at the Belize National Library Service as Principal
Librarian, and then seconded to the University College of Belize as
Library Director from 1989 to 1992. Returning to the Belize
National Library Service, Joy Ysaguirre was appointed Chief
Librarian in 1992.
Mrs. Ysaguirre remains committed in
continuing to make every effort to implement strategies and
acquire resources to channel the public and national library systems
in the right direction.
Joy has involved herself in community work and has been a great
advocate for women and children; serving over the last five years
as board member for Haven House and as Second Vice President
for Belize Cancer Society. She has overseen the publication of
several books; undertaken projects to collect folk stories to sustain
the oral history of Belize; and advocated library service to persons
with disabilities. Her involvement in the community includes
being a member of the UWI Advisory Council, Executive
Coordinator of the PAHO/WHO Virtual Health Library; and the
chairperson of the Information and Communication Working
Group of the UNESCO Commission of Belize.
Submitted by: Haven House-Shelter for Battered Women
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Mrs. Lisa Rocke began her career
with UWI, Open Campus, Belize
formerly School of Continuing
Studies as the Librarian in October
1992. She currently holds the
position of Senior Administrative
Assistant for Student Affairs. A
very dedicated worker, Lisa is often
commended and recognized by staff
and students alike for her
willingness to assist the students in her capacity and even beyond.
Her work at the University was recognized when she received the
first Principal Award of Excellence in 2012.
Lisa believes that her role in life is to live her calling from God, a
calling which serves as a ministry to children, youth and young
adults. Her life‟s creed is based on the principle of “God first in
everything” and, with God‟s help, she manages the different roles
of ministry, family and occupation. This requires never-ending
dedication and diligence in trying circumstances, but she is remains
motivated by Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing
for in due season we shall reap if we faint not” (KJV).
Lisa Rocke is married to Senator Rev. Ashley Rocke for 32 years
and has three adult children, Jamie-Lee Rocke, a Mediator by
profession, Dr. Tamarie Rocke and Ashley Rocke II, a student at
the UWI, Cave Hill Campus.
Submitted by: University of the West Indies (Open Campus)
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Mrs. Jacqueline Wilma Neal, J.P.
known as Wilma, was born 12th May,
1945. Wilma attended Holy Redeemer
Primary School and St. Catherine
Academy.
Immediately
after
her
graduation in 1962, Wilma started a 38
year long dedicated teaching career, which
started at St. Ignatius Primary School in
Belize City. Wilma attended Belize
Teachers‟ Training College from 19671969, receiving a Teacher‟s diploma in
1969. She got married shortly thereafter and moved to Central
Farm. She continued teaching in Central Farm, San Ignacio, and
Santa Elena. Then in the year of our country‟s independence,
Wilma moved to Belmopan. She continued in the profession up to
her retirement in 2000. It seems that Wilma found it hard to leave
her profession and she accepted the position of Principal of
Precious Moments Pre-school from 2002 to 2005.
Wilma has been and continues to be devoted to her community.
With her determination and vigor, she has served in various
capacities in non-governmental organizations including the Belize
Red Cross, Belize Cancer Society, Helpage Belize, Parish Council,
Belmopan Senior Steps, Sister Cecilia Home, and of course, the
Young Women‟s Christian Association. Wilma has been a long
standing member of the YWCA and was instrumental in assisting
this organization in expanding its outreach programme to
Belmopan with the opening of the YWCA Resource Centre in
March 2013. In her position of Vice Chair of the YWCA
Belmopan Steering Committee, Wilma helps to promote the
development and implementation of programmes aimed at
expanding economic opportunities to improve the livelihoods of
both urban and rural women and youth in Belmopan and the
surrounding communities.
Wilma is married to Rodney Neal and has three children.
Submitted by: Young Women’s Christian Association
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Vittalyn Thompson is the
mother of four children and
one grandson. Family is very
important to Vittalyn and
have a great relationship with
her children. She attended
Ebenezer
Primary
and
Wesley College and has been involved in community activities
from a very young age because she saw this as an avenue to get to
know other people apart from her classmates and travel to different
parts of Belize. She also got the opportunity to travel to the
Bahamas at the age of 16 with the Ebenezer church youth group.
Vittalyn always wanted to be a teacher but circumstances
prevented her from achieving this goal. However, she assisted
children at the pre-school and the Adventist summer school in her
community. Her current profession is Home Care Nurse (taking
care of the elderly) which she finds very rewarding as she is able to
give the best possible service to those in her care. Vittalyn loves
cooking, dancing and listening to music. As a member of the
Winners Women‟s Group, Vittalyn volunteers her time to its
outreach program which provides educational sessions on issues
affecting young women in rural communities. The Winners value
her contributions to the success of this program.
Submitted by: Women Issues Network of Belize
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Ms. Carla Deborah Patnett was
born in Belize City and grew up on
Water Lane.
She presently works
with the Belize City Council as the
City
Planner
encouraging
the
development of this beloved city in a
more
organized
and
sustainable
fashion.
She has worked as the Deputy Project Manager for Continental Urban
Developments, architect for residential homes and apartment complex in
Punta Gorda and San Pedro Towns respectively. Apart from this, Carla
has been in the classroom teaching. She did so in Guatemala and did
teach many managers English as part of the United Nations Introduction
and Intermediate Levels.
From early on Carla knew she wanted a career in Planning and
Architecture and hence she completed her Bachelor‟s Degree in
Architecture from the University of San Carlos de Guatemala.
Councilor responsible for Women and Children of the Belize City
Council Hyacinth Latchman-Cuellar described Ms. Patnett “as a very
humble individual who does her duties efficiently. She is always willing
to assist others and Ms. Patnett has always been a plus for us at the
council serving as our City Planner.”
Ms. Patnett‟s motto in life is “Being Humble means recognizing we are
not on earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much
difference we can make in the lives of others.”
Submitted by: The Belize City Council
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Ms. Judith Araceli Gonzalez or
“Shelly” as she is fondly called by
family and friends was born on May
9th 1956 in Stann Creek Town (now
Dangriga). After spending some
time in Chetumal, Mexico, her
family moved back to Belize, on a
farm close to Benque Viejo del
Carmen, Cayo District.
When she was 11 years old, they
moved to Benque Viejo del Carmen Town. She graduated from Mount
Carmel Primary School and passed her entrance examination to attend
the Belize Technical College in Belize City from where she graduated in
1974.
She returned to Benque Viejo and worked in her father‟s grocery store
and meat shop until she found employment at the Benque Viejo SubLibrary. In 2000, after taking a two year distance learning course along
with other staff of the Belize National Library Service (BNLS), she
received a Certificate of Higher Education in Librarianship and
Information Science from Napier University in Scotland.
The BNLS‟s proposal for a library building eventually met the approval
of the Government of Belize and a new building was inaugurated in May
2011. She retired from the library service on the same day as her birthday
which also marked 35 years of dedicated service to the Belize National
Library Service. She has always enjoyed a good relationship with the
management and staff of the BNLS, particularly with Miriam Garcia,
who worked faithfully alongside her for 13 years.
Her contribution to the Belize National Library and Information Service
has been invaluable and as such is receiving recognition today. Ms.
Judith says that she will always be grateful for having been granted the
opportunity to be a part of library development in Belize. She now spend
her retirement in company of her husband and two children, Anilli and
Oscar.
Submitted by: Belize National Library Service and Information Service
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Mrs. Dawn Eloise Campbell
Adderley, from an early age Dawn‟s
love of dance became evident so she
was enrolled in the Bob Reneau
School of Dance at the age of 8 and
her devotion to the art form began
with the teachings and discipline she
received at this legendary institution
as her knowledge of dance and the
stage grew rapidly.
The next step on her journey took her to Leomar Dance School and
in 1979 Dawn joined up with other dancers to form the legendary
Belize Creative Dancers. In 1986 she married James Adderley.
Her devotion to dancing did not wain and despite the birth of her
first child she continued her chosen career. She was instrumental in
the formation of BNDC and active up to 2005.
Dawn became an itinerant dance teacher to almost every Primary
School in Belize City while she continued to attend dance seminars
to further her knowledge. Today she is still involved, training
teachers countrywide and she remains a tireless soldier in the art of
dance and has profoundly contributed to dance in Belize. She has
won best dance and best choreographer in the annual Festival of
Arts; contributes as a critic in the preschool Festival of Arts and is
involved in setting up a syllabus for Primary Schools.
Here is a woman who has dedicated her life to the discipline of
dance in Belize touching the lives of so many at every level. Her
travel to every district as an itinerant teacher has given her the
priceless insight into the arts. She has shared her love for dance
with everyone she meets and has sown the seeds for its future.
Submitted by: National Institute of Culture and History (NICH)
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Ms. Sabreena Daly, born
April 11th 1997 to parents
Beverly Hanson and Winston
Daly of Burrel Boom Village
attended Methodist Primary
School. Enrolled at Belize
Rural High school where she
attended two years and later
transferred to Wesley College
from where she graduated.
Prior to her graduation an opportunity of going for an audition to
present the weather news arrived. Reluctantly, because of fear but
wanting to please her mother she decided to go for it and after her
one audition, everything seemed to take a major turn in Sabreena‟s
life.
Since July of 2014, Sabreena has had the title of youngest weather
reporter in Belize; but not only that has come her way, Sabreena is
the Public Relations director for a non-profit organization known
as Guide Light Productions that caters for the involvement of
positive young people. Additionally, the Public Relations Officer
for Belize Department of Youth Services which focusses on the
empowerment and innovation of young people and radio co-host
for a More-FM radio show know as Young at Night.
Sabreena has represented Belize in a Youth Ministers meeting in
Antigua and Barbuda as well at the 9th UNESCO meeting in Paris.
She has also received awards of exemplary performance and ethics
in non-profit organization. Guide light Productions partook and
represented (media-wise) in the National Leadership workshop
where a working team of the National youth Council was selected.
She aspires to remain in the field of media but to not only be the
face of positivity, but a solution to it.
Submitted by: Department of Youth Services
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Elaine Maria Jeffords was born to
Elswith Mendez nee Rowland and Mr.
Catalino O‟Neil Sr. Mrs. Jeffords has
been married to Mr. Lascelle Jeffords
for the past 25 years. She is the mother
of 7 children Shauna, Tanisha, Mark,
Adriel, Kimberly, Lisa and Lascelle Jr.
and they have all contributed to our
country and community with fervency
and dignity.
Mrs. Elaine Jeffords attended Holy Redeemer Primary school and
upon graduating from primary school at age 13 she immediately
entered into the work force because her mother could not afford to
send her to high school. Mrs. Jeffords‟s first job was at an Indian
store on Albert Street for a salary of $16.00 a week; however she
did not give up on her dream of completing high school. In 2001,
she embarked on the journey of attaining her high school diploma
at St. John‟s Extension, despite the devastating loss of her first
child Shauna, her becoming pregnant and giving birth to her last
child Lascelle Jr. and undergoing three major surgeries; in 2005
she graduated with honors as the Valedictorian.
Mrs. Jeffords started working at Port Loyola Organization for
Women in 2011 and she currently holds the position of Assistant
Director and Pantry Supervisor. Her dedication, tenacity,
perseverance, kindness, intelligence and wisdom have proven to be
an asset to our Organization and community that we serve. Mrs.
Jeffords comes in early and leaves late; she is always willing to
assist in whatever capacity that is required.
Submitted by: Port Loyola Organization for Women (PLOW)
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
Working Together
In Belize, many government and non-government
organizations are working together to improve the lives of
Belizeans.
BELIZE FAMILY LIFE ASSOCIATION (BFLA)
BFLA is a member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation
which offers family life education and organized family planning.
Through the dissemination of information on family planning, BFLA
assists Belizean women and men in making healthy, well informed
decisions about their sexual reproductive health.
CONTACT: 203-1018
[email protected]
FAMILY COURT
The Family Court was established in 1898 to keep pace with the ever
growing social and legal needs of the family. It plays a vital role in
keeping society together. It is responsible for the administration of
justices for family and juvenile justice matters. The Family Court has
dealt with thousands of cases over the years ranging from domestic
violence, legal separation, custody, maintenance and juvenile offenders.
CONTACT: 227-4107/ 227-4114
HAVEN HOUSE
Haven House is currently the only safe house for female survivors of
domestic violence and their children in the Belize District. Opened in
1993, the shelter provides temporary housing for up to 21 days,
counseling and legal advocacy for residents.
CONTACT: 222-4947
MARY OPEN DOORS
Mary Open Doors is a shelter for battered women and their children. It is
located in the Cayo District. It officially opened in 2008, but had
functioned informally prior to that. The Mary Open Door office provides
basic counseling, skills training and job placement for its clients.
CONTACT: 626-5780
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
National Committee for Families and Children is a statutory body that is
set up to oversee Belize‟s compliance with its international, regional and
national commitments to children and their families.
CONTACT: 223-0059
www.ncfc.org.bz
NATIONAL WOMEN’S COMMISSION (NWC)
The National Women‟s Commission was established in 1982. Over the
years, the commission has been instrumental in creating and supporting a
wide variety of programs for women. The National Women‟s
Commission has conducted in-depth research regarding women‟s issues
in Belize and has published several major documents including the
National Gender Policy and Women in Politics.
CONTACT:223-4284
WWW. NATIONALWOMENSCOMMISSION. ORG
UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF)
UNICEF is an international organization dedicated to meeting the needs
of women and children around the world. It places emphasis on health,
education, social services, legislation and outreach programs aimed to
enhance the national development of Belize.
CONTACT: 223-3609
www.unicef.org
PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION (PAHO)
PAHO was established in 1902 and is the world‟s oldest public health
organization. It serves as the regional office of the World Health
Organization and works with all the countries of the Americas to improve
the health and quality of life of their peoples. PAHO is dedicated to
working with governments of the Americas primarily, Ministry of
Health, in addressing public health issues such as Gender-based
Violence.
CONTACT: 224-4885
www.paho.org
YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (YWCA)
The Belize YWCA opened in 1956 and has consistently provided a wide
variety of services and programs to women of all ages. The facility
currently offers a long list of programs including the Helping Early
Leavers Program, a daycare, ESL classes, aerobics and community
education classes.
CONTACT: 203-4971
www.ywcabelize.org
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND (UNFPA)
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is an international
development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and
child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA supports
countries in using population data for policies and programmes to reduce
poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe,
every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is
treated with dignity and respect.
CONTACT: 223-1644
www.unfpa.org
WOMEN’S ISSUES NETWORK OF BELIZE (WIN)
WIN-Belize was officially launched during Women‟s Week in 1993. The
organization was established with the realization that there was a need for
organizations to combine their human and financial resources for greater
efficiency and effectiveness. WIN-Belize works to coordinate resources
and activities of many local women‟s groups.
CONTACT: 227-1069
www.winbelize.org
PRODUCTIVE ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN IN ACTION (POWA)
Productive Organization for Women in Action (POWA) is a communitybased organization that began in 2003 in Dangriga Town. It grew out of
the need for women to support other women in areas of Gender-based
Violence, HIV/AIDs, Gender and Economic justice. In 2011, its youth
arm called Girl POWA was created to focus on girls who are vulnerable
to issues such as HIV and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). POWA girls
participate collectively in POWA‟s activities and along with members of
POWA, receive extensive training in several areas, including: HIV/AIDS
and SRH education; community outreach; self-esteem; and assertiveness,
and negotiation skills. They serve as Community Ambassadors in their
neighborhoods and the wider Dangriga community. Since February
2013, POWA manages the “Dangriga Cares” Center which serves as a
safe place for community members to interact. Activities and services
provided by POWA include Women Empowerment Sessions, Peer
Leadership Program, Counseling Program, Legal Advice Services,
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Child Abuse Prevention Program,
CONTACT: 502-3002/ 622-8671
[email protected]
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
YOUTH ENHANCEMENT SERVICES (YES)
Youth Enhancement Services is a non-government organization that
provides training, support and education to teenage girls. YES was
founded in 1989 by the National Children‟s Home in London and
Barbados.
CONTACT: 225-2315
BELIZE WOMEN’S POLITICAL CAUCUS
This is a voluntary, not-for-profit, non-partisan, non-government
organization governed by the Steering Committee at the national level
comprised of the president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and the
chairpersons of the Standing Committees. The Standing Committees are:
Membership, Fund-raising: Publicity: Legislation: Newsletter: Research,
Education & Training and Political Action & Appointments. All BWPC
members set the agenda of BWPC at its Annual General Meeting
(AGM). An Administrative Committee, which consists of the president,
vice-president, secretary and treasurer, takes care of the day to day
responsibilities of the Caucus. Its main objectives are to provide a
neutral, objective and multi-partisan space and forum for women to
discuss, caucus and build consensus positions on issues and concerns that
they consider important to the political, social and economic well-being
of Belize through their lens; to build coalitions with a broad base of
woman and women‟s organizations nationally, regionally and
international that have similar objectives; to educate the populace on the
need for gender equality and men and women‟s equal participation in
decision-making processes both in the public and private arenas; to
advocate for policy and legislative change to advance the cause of
equality between women and man in the political and other decisionmaking processes; to build strong , constructive and sustainable
relationships with woman elected and appointed officials at all level of
political parties , government and in all sectors; to monitor government
policies and programs that have implications to women‟s participation in
the political and decision-making processes and to the social and
economic well-being of Belize; and to promote research, collect data and
compile statistics, plan and implement programs and activities centered
on increasing women participation in the political and other decision
making processes;
CONTACT: 637-6191
Email: [email protected]
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
HOUSE OF DORCAS
House of Dorcas is owned by a Womens Group of Patchakan
Village. The group of ladies uses the house as a training center for
women and youth. They teach arts and crafts, sewing, earrings making
among others. Beside skill training programs conducted, they also
provide spiritual guidance to its members and members of the
community. They are able to sustain the house through donation from
abroad church members and other community organizations.
CONTACT: 602-5859
OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL ENVOY FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN
The Special Envoy for Children and Women is the Belizean
champion for women and children, working primarily to advocate
for and influence the development of social policies and
legislation; advocate for the implementation of programmes and
initiatives that benefit children and families and promote their
rights; collaborate with government and quasi-government bodies
to present projects seeking financial resources at home and abroad
to support programmes and initiatives for children and engage in
public awareness and education activities designed to sensitize the
general public to issues affecting women and children.
CONTACT: 223-1941/42
Email: [email protected]
WOMEN’S DEPARTMENT, MINISTRY OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT,
SOCIAL T RANSFORMATION AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION
The Women‟s Department continues to be one of the leading
organizations in Belize dedicated to improving the lives of women. Since
1978, the Women‟s Department has worked to empower women through
a wide range of progressive initiatives including training classes for
women, the promotion of public education in the schools, facilitating
support groups and organizing community events to raise awareness
about Domestic Violence and women‟s issues.
CONTACT: Belize City, 227-3888/ 227-7397
Email: [email protected]
TEL: Corozal: 402-2120, Orange Walk: 302-2058, Cayo: 804-2098,
Dangriga: 502-0038, Toledo: 702-2021
2016 Theme: “Pledge for Parity: Strong Women, Strong World, Improving Opportunities for All.”
The Women’ s Department and the Special Envoy for
Women and Children would like to thank its partner
agencies, civil society, the business community,
international agencies, our volunteers and the general
public for the support that continues to be given to the
multi-sectoral effort to put women at the forefront of our
agenda.
Special thanks to Grace Kennedy Belize Limited for
continued support during Women’s Month.
Have a Wonderful
Women‟s Month 2016!