The Media is Sensitized on the Proposed National Gender Policy 2021-2030

Thea Garcia-Ramirez

The National Women’s Commission has been tasked with the development of the National Gender Policy 2021 to 2030.  The proposed document was stalled due to the pandemic, but has since resumed and follows on the 2013 policy. So, the N.W.C. has been making its rounds, having consultations with various agencies and civil society stakeholders to ensure that everyone is covered. And today, a sensitization session was held with the media. Now, in the past there had been issues about certain terminologies used in the policy in terms of sex and gender. President of the N.W.C., Thea Garcia-Ramirez told the media today that while there are differences in opinion, the objectives are aligned.

Thea Garcia-Ramirez, President, National Women’s Commission

“I think that we have made every effort this time to engage, to listen closely to take their concerns and to try in as much as we can to incorporate those valid concerns that they have into this new gender policy. As I said, we are still speaking to them. I know we might not be able to agree on every point, but I think overwhelmingly, even with some of those sectors that were at odds with the gender policy that they understand that the National Women’s Commission and the government are really seeking to uplift the station of many women, vulnerable groups, rural women, women in embattled urban areas that we have. And so to give them every chance to empower themselves to educate themselves, to live a life that is free of violence, a dignified life in Belize. And I believe that is one of the areas where we can all agree.”