A total of 78 participants received invaluable information on tools and best practices on mainstreaming gender and gender-based violence in emergency settings. Ending GBV is one of the three transformative results in UNFPA’s Strategic Plan, 2022-2025. As the leading UN agency tasked with the mandate to eliminate GBV, UNFPA delivered capacity building sessions on Gender Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE) to key organizations with the main objective to support the establishment of a GBViE mechanism in Belize. Officers from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), Belize Institute of Search and Rescue Training (BISART), the Women and Family Support Department (WFS), the National Women's Commission (NWC) and the Belize Red Cross, who leads in the national response in emergencies, benefitted from a one- day capacity building session, tailored to their specific role in the national response mechanism. In addition to this, a youth webinar was organized to engage the youth population on how volunteerism and outreach activities can support the efforts in addressing GBV in emergencies.
The workshops provided a comprehensive training on integrating GBViE, informed by lessons learnt during rapid assessment from Caribbean countries affected by Hurricane Beryl. The sessions highlighted the importance of a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach with an emphasis on a survivor-centered approach, a key principle of the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP). In addition to establishing a GBViE mechanism in Belize, the expected outcomes of this training included increased awareness and knowledge to respond with a comprehensive understanding on key considerations for GBV response in emergency settings and strengthened capacity to coordinate and lead the national GBV response in emergencies.
Under this year’s theme of #NOEXCUSE, UNFPA, launched a series of podcasts which speaks to the response and prevention measures for the elimination of Gender-Based Violence. The objective was to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence, promote thought provoking conversations in various spaces on GBV, empower community members, duty bearers and stakeholders to act and address GBV, as well as to provide a platform for different organizations to discuss their perspectives and actions to end GBV in Belize.
In addition to the podcast, UNFPA and partnering agencies, such as the Belize City Council, convene youths from across the country to partake in the annual Youth Panel Discussion. Leading up the discussion, training was held with both in and out of school youths who received lessons on topics such as Gender-based Violence, Violence Against Women and Girls, Human Trafficking, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Following the panel discussion, a workshop was held where participating youths get to formulate action items that are then presented to the Councillors at the Belize City Council.
Through these targeted initiatives, UNFPA continues to empower communities, organizations, and youth to champion the fight against Gender-Based Violence, ensuring no one is left behind. By building capacity, fostering dialogue, and promoting survivor-centered approaches, these efforts mark a critical step toward the realization of a safer, more equitable Belize.
