women's month 2016 booklet

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


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

acknowledged across the globe on March 8th

, 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


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


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!


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!


International Women’s Day International Women‟s Day (March 8

th) 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 8

th 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 8

th as such.


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.


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


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


“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


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)


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

YWCA 60th Anniversary Church Service, St. John‟s

Cathedral, Belize City, 10:30 a.m., (Organizing Agency: YWCA,

Contact Person: Beverly Brown) Open Event


“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


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



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: Ann-

Marie Williams) Open Event

YWCA Motorcade promoting Anniversary Open House,

Streets of Belize City, 4:00 p.m., (Organizing Agency: YWCA,

Contact Person: Nadine Harris)


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


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 & UWI-

Open Campus Belize, Contact Person: Mr. Joseph Stamp Romero)

Open Event

CAYO DISTRICT

Small Business Workshop, The Trek Stop, Succotz Village,


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





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


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,


Contact Person: De-Ann Buckley) Closed Event

Conversation on the Intersection of HIV/AIDS and Gender-

based 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,


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)

SUNDAY, MARCH 20

BELIZE DISTRICT "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)


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


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





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


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!


Mrs. Genara Cano was born in the

village of Xaibe, Corozal District on the 19

th 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


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


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


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


Mrs. Fidencia Osgalla was born to Ms.

Emillia Pulido and Mr. Molina on May 12th

,

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


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


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


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)


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 1967-

1969, 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


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


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


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 Sub-

Library. 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


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)


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


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)


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


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

http://www.ywcabelize.org/


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 community-

based 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]

http://www.winbelize.org/


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 decision-

making 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]


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 TRANSFORMATION 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


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!

women's month 2016 booklet

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