The Spotlight Initiative was virtually launched in Belize on the 19 August 2020 by the United Nations Belize Country Office, partners and sister agencies including the UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean. Ms. Alison Drayton, Director and Representative of UNFPA Caribbean joined various stakeholders in a video presentation aimed at increased visibility for the project which used the hashtag phrase “ I am #WithHer” to engage the audience.

The Initiative is a global, multi-year initiative, funded by the European Union and the United Nations. It aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). This initiative seeks to galvanize political commitment at the highest levels as part of the efforts to meet the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and particularly, Goal 5 which deals with Gender Equality.

In Belize, the Spotlight Initiative will join in the efforts to end family violence by strengthening policy and legislations that will guarantee increased protection of women and girls. The Initiative will also build the capacity of state and non-state actors to respond to family violence, expand the range of services available, and address social norms and behaviors that promote violence against women and girls.