Women’s group to hold “Speak Out” on gender issues

In many instances, a group of women sitting down talking informally is dismissed as gossiping. But this week, a Belize City based organisation is hoping to capitalise on that social atmosphere to create an open space for women to address the issues facing their gender. The event is called a Speak Out and is the brain child of the Women’s Circle. According to organiser Joyce Flowers, the idea is for Belizean women to advocate for change on issues like domestic violence, health concerns, and economic reality with one voice.

Joyce Flowers, Organizer, Women’s Circle Speak Out
“We see domestic violence, we see young women who should be in school and they are not in school; I mean they don’t come to me for help but we feel like if we do something we can assist with things like these right.”

Janelle Chanona
“And you hoping the Speak Out will…”

Joyce Flowers
“We are hoping that women will respond and come to the Speak Out; we want to hear how women feel and what they are facing so we can work together. Women need to learn to work together to help each other to succeed in life.”

“I want to take this opportunity to invite all women, especially young women, to come out tomorrow evening at the St. Martin’s Community Centre, the building just behind the police station, at five-thirty in the evening to speak on their issues, this is a forum for women to speak out!”

According to Flowers, the work of the Women’s Circle will include personal development programmes, life skills training, and small business assistance.