16 days of activism against gender-based violence kicked off on November 25th and runs until the 10th of December, which is also Human Rights Day.
It's an annual campaign that calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
And to commemorate it, the Ministry of Human Development Families and Indigenous peoples Affairs captured a short reflection from Minister Dolores Balderamos-Garcia. She encouraged Belizeans to become advocates for the cause and to continue to build a culture that challenges the root causes of gender-based violence.
Hon. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia
"In Belize like many countries around the world we recognize that effective action requires not only responding to incidents of gender-based violence and working to prevent individual instances but also building a culture based on principles and values that challenge the causes of gender-based violence and discrimination. We realize that human rights should be the set of values that inform our daily lives and establish the minimum standards for full equality and a life of dignity every person in Belize should be aware of how gender-based violence continues to be the most pervasive form of human rights violations which prevent persons especially women and girls from reaching their full potential and dignified lives free from fear. Every year Belizeans across the country have an opportunity to experience and witness multiple interventions being implemented as part of the 16 days of activism. What 16 days of activism does is to shine the spotlight on efforts to build your awareness on the issue and ask your participation in the work that needs to be implemented, this year's theme is you and me from 16 days to 365 days, end violence against women now."
