Torch run raises awareness of reproductive rights

Today Belizeans from all sectors of society hit the road during a torch run from mile twenty-one on the Western Highway to Belize City’s Constitution Park. The event was one of several efforts by WIN Belize during Women’s Week. This particular event, however, was meant to raise awareness on H.I.V./AIDS and violence against women, particularly young women.

Shelmadine Cacho, Prog. Officer, WIN Belize
“We try and find creative ways to get the youths involved and we thought that a run would appeal to youth, so hence the reason why we decided on a run and actually its to carry the torch of hope. The Torch of Hope is a symbol for people infected and affected by H.I.V./AIDS as well as gender-based violence. This activity is normally held during the sixteen days of activism but as a result of bad weather last year we had to cancel the run so we decided to do the run today because people requested it.”

Today’s torch run, which was done relay style, had the participation of around two hundred people.