Belize City's Women: Strong, Independent, And Diverse

Belize is a diverse nation, with Mestizo, Afro-Creole, Maya, Garifuna, and Mennonite identities well-represented, along with other groups, such as East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese, Latino, German, African, English, American, Canadian, Venezuelan, Dutch, and more. Belize women are described as smart, attractive, and easy-going, with a wonderful sense of humour. They are supportive, cool-headed, and respectful of traditions. While the country has made some progress on women's rights, there is still work to be done to achieve gender equality. As of February 2021, only 12.5% of seats in parliament were held by women, and in 2018, 7.8% of women aged 15-49 reported experiencing physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner in the previous 12 months.

Women in politics

Belize is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a political system based on the British model. The country gained independence from the UK in 1981 and has since been led by a succession of centre-left and centre-right parties.

Women in Belize have made some strides in politics, but they are still underrepresented in elected office. As of 2019, only 11.1% of seats in the National Assembly were held by women. This figure had risen slightly to 12.5% by February 2021. However, this is still a long way from parity, and Belize lags behind other countries in the region when it comes to female political representation.

The country's first female prime minister, Said Musa, took office in 1998. Musa, who served until 2008, was the son of a Palestinian immigrant. The current government, led by the centre-left People's United Party, includes several women in senior roles. These include:

• Lisa Shoman: Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Dolores Balderamos-Garcia: Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous People's Affairs
• Tracy Taegar Panton: Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment
• Michel Chebat: Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness
• Yvonne Babb: Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
• Dr. Angel Campos: Minister of State in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation

Women in the workplace

Belize City is the country's largest city and offers a wide range of opportunities for socialising and meeting new people. The city's diverse culture, from Latino to Lebanese, German, African, and more, makes for a vibrant and dynamic environment.

Women in Belize City have a strong presence in various fields, as evidenced by the National Women's Commission's recognition of outstanding contributions by women in their communities. The Commission, located in Belize City, strives for gender equality, equity, and women's empowerment. It advises the government on policies and laws to improve gender equality and coordinates the implementation of the National Gender Policy.

Belize City's bustling atmosphere provides women with numerous avenues to pursue their careers and ambitions. The city's nightlife, including nightclubs, dance clubs, and casinos, offers women opportunities to socialise, network, and seek entertainment. The city's diverse population also means that women can connect with people from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

In the workplace, women in Belize City face similar challenges to those in other parts of the world. Gender-based violence, for example, is recognised as a serious issue, and the National Women's Commission works to address it through initiatives like the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Additionally, programmes like the Women in Politics Project aim to increase women's involvement in the political process, encouraging them to stand for elections and transform governance at all levels.

Belize City's business landscape also showcases the contributions of women entrepreneurs and CEOs. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry recognises women-owned businesses, and women also hold leadership positions within the government, such as CEOs and area representatives at the City/Town/Village Council level. These achievements demonstrate the strides made by women in the city towards gender equality and their active participation in various industries.

Violence against women

Belize is a popular tourist destination, particularly for eco-tourists, but it has a high rate of violent crime. The U.S. State Department and Canada advise visitors to exercise caution while in the country. Violent crime is common during the daytime and in tourist areas. Belize has repeatedly been named one of the worst countries in the world for homicides, and violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, and sexual assaults are frequent. Gang violence is also a significant issue, especially in Belize City.

In 2024, the United Nations in Belize expressed deep concern over a series of incidents that resulted in the deaths of women and children in the country. These incidents, which occurred in both domestic settings and public spaces, highlighted the alarming issue of violence against women and children in Belize. The UN statement acknowledged Belize's commitment to eradicating violence, particularly against women and girls, but emphasised the urgent need for further action.

In 2021, the Belize Police Department recorded a 2% decline in domestic violence reports compared to 2020, with reports decreasing from 2,419 to 2,362. However, it is important to note that not all domestic violence reports result in cases being lodged, as some complainants decline to take court action. Additionally, the number of reports made for "future reference" increased. The Belize Police Department also recorded substantial declines in sexual violence in the major crimes category.

Despite these declines, violence against women remains a significant issue in Belize. Sexual assaults and sexual harassment, such as catcalling and staring, are common in the country, especially on beaches and islands. Women travelling to Belize are advised to take precautions such as avoiding travelling alone at night and being cautious when using taxis, as sexual harassment by drivers has been reported.

Women's health

Healthcare Infrastructure and Services

Belize has a dual public-private healthcare system. The Ministry of Health (MoH) oversees the entire health sector and provides affordable care to the majority of Belizeans. The public health sector, including the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City, offers basic medical specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, and obstetrics and gynaecology (OB-GYN). However, public hospitals often face challenges due to funding issues, equipment problems, medical supply shortages, and operation management issues. On the other hand, private hospitals like Belize Medical Associates and Belize Healthcare Partners in Belize City offer more comprehensive care and are preferred by expatriates.

The MoH and other organisations have recognised the importance of women's health and have implemented various initiatives to address specific women's health needs. These include:

• Reproductive Health and Sexual Health: Despite efforts, Belize falls into the "very bad" category when it comes to fulfilling the right to reproductive health, achieving only 63.2% of what is expected based on its resources.
• Maternal and Child Health: Reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and improving access to quality primary and secondary education are key priorities.
• Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights: The National Women's Commission, a strategic advisory body to the Government of Belize, works to achieve gender equality and empower women. They address issues such as domestic violence and child abuse and provide support and resources for women facing gender-based violence.

Health Conditions Affecting Women

Some common health conditions prevalent in Belize that may impact women include malaria, dengue fever, gastroenteritis, cholera, and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, there is a focus on addressing non-communicable diseases and lifestyle-related problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and nutritional issues. Obesity and overweight issues are particularly prevalent among young children, with Belize City being the most affected area.

Women's rights

Women in Belize City continue to face discrimination and gender inequality. Women make up more than 50% of Belize's population, yet they have significantly fewer opportunities than men. They are underrepresented in politics, social life, and the economy. Belizean women are often expected to stay home and care for children, while men are the primary breadwinners.

Belize's gender gap is largely attributed to societal chauvinism that favors men and traditional masculinity. Despite some progress, Belize still has a long way to go to achieve gender equality. The National Women's Commission (NWC) is a strategic advisory body to the Government of Belize on gender issues. It works to improve laws, programs, and policies to advance gender equality and empower women. The NWC also addresses gender-based violence and encourages men to speak up against it.

Belize has taken steps to address gender-based violence, such as enacting the Domestic Violence Act in 1992 and adopting the National Gender-based Violence Plan of Action in 2010. However, many women, especially in rural areas, continue to suffer violence and face challenges in accessing protective services.

To promote gender equity, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) guided the creation of the 2017-2021 Country Programme Document (CPD), which prioritizes safety, sustainability, health, justice, and resilience, with gender as a cross-cutting theme. The NWC also partners with organizations like the Belize Crime Observatory and the Ministry of Human Development, Families & Indigenous People's Affairs to empower women and address domestic abuse.

Belize has also made some progress in family planning, with 64.9% of women of reproductive age having their needs satisfied with modern methods in 2016. However, early marriages and adolescent births remain a concern. Additionally, women face exploitation in the workforce, earning significantly less than men.

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