And while the pre-schoolers have their own lobby, if they want attention, they’d better hop into mom’s hand – because it’s also Women’s Week. But more than just an idle observance, acting director of the Women’s Department Icilda Humes says it’s about empowerment.
Icilda Humes, Acting Director – Women’s Department
“This year’s theme is: ‘Women – Equal Partners in Belize’s Development.’ Last year’s theme because of the year starting with the three murders of the women with respect to domestic violence, we focused last year’s theme on violence against women. This year we are really looking to inspire women and to celebrate women’s achievements in our country and recognize that women continue to play significant roles in our country’s development in the areas of sustainable development, in the areas of economic development because I am sure all women out there and men would agree that women make the best financial managers and financial planners – and so we are highlighting economic development. We are also highlighting the preservation of our heritage, the journey of the Belizean woman. What has the Maya woman been through, what has the Garifuna woman been through, what has the Creole woman been through. And we are also looking at higher education and social sector reform. So these areas will actually form the basis for the Women’s Summit which is basically the highlight of Women’s Week.”
That summit takes place on March seventh. Another highlight will be the third annual outstanding Women’s Award Ceremony. In his women’s day address, Minister of Human Development Peter Eden Martinez declared that, “women have had to work ten times harder than men to make the same achievements…they have to work longer hours, receive smaller wages and deal…with individuals who would rather that they be barefoot, pregnant and dependent on men.” He adds that: “women continue to be subjected to sexual harassment on the streets and in the work place….”
