Belize City, Belize, February 20, 2024 – With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) and Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, over 20 representatives from several high schools, universities, and civil society organizations (CSOs) participated in a three-day training of facilitators to engage men and boys throughout the country.

To advance gender equality and help prevent gender-based violence (GBV), the training aims to dismantle entrenched norms in the country, empower individuals with the tools to prevent violence and champion positive gender roles within the Belizean communities. 

“In confronting this complex issue, we must recognize the indispensable role of men and boys as allies in our pursuit of gender justice,” said Ms. Amilin Mendez, Inclusive Growth and Digitization Program Analyst of the UNDP Belize Country Office. “Ending violence against women and girls is not an overnight quest, therefore the work needs to continue with you as a sustainable action. By fostering an understanding of gender dynamics and challenging harmful notions of masculinity, we can cultivate a culture of respect and equality.”

According to the Belize Crime Observatory, there has been a five percent increase in domestic violence reports between the years 2022 and 2023. Despite the advances in legal, social, and cultural realms for tackling GBV, the work must continue. 

“It is important when we do these trainings and we see how the young men, the young boys, and the men react when they see that the trainers are men,” said H.E. Mrs. Rossana Maria Briceño, Special Envoy on Children & Family. “But we’re opening it up because we want women involved as we need to see two sides of the story and it helps us as women understand how men feel. By the end of these three days, I know you will be able to go back to your workplaces and your schools and continue this training.”

This training is a sustainable action of the United Nations’ continued support in building the capacity of trainers to be able to train more men and boys country wide. By fostering an understanding of gender roles and dynamics, the training also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal Five on Gender Equality, in integrating the principle of leaving no one behind.

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For more information, please contact:
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): 
Zenena Moguel, zenena.moguel@undp.org | Communication Analyst

Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN):
Jacqueline Dragone, jdragone@live.com