Women’s Summit map achievements; chart future
While no one can dispute the remarkable accomplishments of Belizean women, all interested parties agree that we still have a long way to go. That issue was just one topic up for discussion today at the annual Women’s Summit. Ann-Marie Williams reports.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
Today two hundred women from across the country gathered at the Radisson hotel to take part in the third annual Women’s Summit, the highlight of Women’s Week. According to organisers, the event provides a forum for participants to discuss issues and challenges affecting Belizean women, assess achievements and plan for the future.
Peter Martinez, Human Development Minister
“Too many times we have not recognised the plight of the Belizean women, their contribution to the Belizean society so there was need to celebrate that this morning and more so for us to focus on the future in terms of embracing what we already have and then we engage the women in the discussion in order for us to further what we already have presently.”
The talks were divided into four panel discussions. Addressing the issue of Women and Sustainable Development were Diane Wade-Moore of U.N.D.P., Anna Hoare of the Belize Audubon Society and Jessie Young of the Community Baboon Sanctuary.
Other presentations were entitled: “Preserving our Heritage: Journey of the Belizean Woman”, “Women and Economic Development” and “Continued Education and Ageing”.
While many of the week’s official activities were celebratory, leaders are all too cognizant that rape, sexual harassment and domestic violence cases continue to escalate in Belize. In the latest report by the United Nations, statistics reveal that women are still being overworked and underpaid.
Icilda Humes, Acting Director of Women Department
“In terms of women’s rights, as we continue to see gaps in the services that are being provided for women in particular the judicial system. As you know there’s only one family court and that is centralized, i’s in Belize City. In the districts there aren’t family courts so you have one magistrate dealing with criminal issues as well as civil issues and it really is a disservice to women who make up the majority of domestic violence victims. ”
“There’s a lot of work we have to do in the rural communities but definatley there’s a lot more needed to be done and that is for the issues the CEDAW review committee highlighted in July.”
And even though government resources are often in short supply, Human Development Minister Peter Eden Martinez is promising to change the status quo.
Peter Martinez
“I know they’re doing an excellent job. There’s still a lot more to be done in terms of giving them the resources, both financial and human resources for them to be able to carry out the mandate of the Belize government in improving our services to this country.”
In an attempt to improve quality of life, today the Women’s Department also launched a Women’s Rights Handbook.
Icilda Humes
“We looked at the various sectors and we developed a compendium of women’s rights legislation. So the handbook is in lay persons terms. It’s quite simplified and it basically tells women what their rights are with respect to various areas; whether it’s domestic violence, whether it’s sexual harassment, whether it’s maternity benefits, employment rights, immigration rights.”
And while one event will not significantly alter the way women are treated in Belize, participants at the summit agree the forum can plant the seeds of change.
Margaret McKenzie, Chief Magistrate
“If we could have more family courts especially in the districts because in the districts we don’t have family courts and that would alleviate some of the burden that is put on now sitting magistrates in the districts.”
Marsella Diego, Member, POWA Dangriga
“We have this issue with HIV/AIDS and we have domestic violence. That seems to be the two that we’re targeting.”
Pulcheria Teul, U.D.P. Senator
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to be able share women’s concerns especially regarding the Maya women of Toledo. I believe that it’s timely for us to voice our opinion at the national level. It’s also timely for us to be able to participate in decision making at the national level and that is a great advancement for the Maya women.”
Ann-Marie Williams News 5.
