Belize CIWiL Chapter is Formed!

Belize is the latest country to form its own national chapter of the Caribbean Women in Leadership, known as CIWiL for short. Since 1998, CIWiL, a non-partisan and N.G.O., has been working to increase women’s participation in political and public life across the Caribbean.  An election was held last month where the executive was selected.  Chairperson Valerie Woods tells us more about the establishment of this chapter and some of the items on their agenda moving forward.

Valerie Woods

Valerie Woods, Chairperson, CIWiL

“This chapter came about due to an interest of an overwhelming amount of  women across party lines, across interests, from all spheres of life really, all aspects of society; both in Belize, as well as the Diaspora. It was seventy-five of us who joined in as members. We are told we are the largest membership for CIWiL so we are very proud about that.   Off the top, I can tell you that gender-based violence is on the table; cyber-bullying is on the table. Membership, not only recruitment because we want to get as many women across Belize as well as outside of Belize, Belizeans living inside and abroad to get involved but it is also to look at how to retain that membership. Not all women in the group in the membership are necessarily there for women in political leadership but they are there for other reasons and other aspects of leadership. There are several women who are not necessarily inclined to follow politics but they do want to see more women in various leadership positions through-out Belize and they value the contribution of women to governance and development of women in general, not just in the governance of the country. And so that also has to do with training and understanding gender studies as well which has also come up in our discussions. So, there is quite an array of activities to look at.”

Woods says that first steps include the completion of the formalization of the N.G.O., as well as a first official meeting to be held early next year where they will set up sub-committees.  The executive is set to serve for two terms.  The other members of the executive are: Deborah Mencias-McMillan, Vice-Chairperson; Brittney Galvez, Public Relations Officer; Tracey Jenkins, Treasurer and Chelsea Galvez is the Coordinator and Secretary.