By Zoila Palma: The Belize City Council, in collaboration with national and international partners, successfully hosted the 5th Annual Youth Panel Discussion focused on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), and Domestic Violence (DV).
The youth-led forum, held under the theme “Empowered Voices. Bold Conversations.”, aimed to challenge harmful social norms, promote open dialogue, and advance youth-driven solutions to violence affecting communities across Belize.
This year’s initiative began with the sensitization of more than 300 young people throughout Belize City, engaging them in candid discussions on GBV, VAWG, and DV. The perspectives gathered during these sessions helped shape the themes of the national panel discussion.
Over 75 participants attended the event in person, while additional youths joined virtually, contributing diverse viewpoints and reinforcing a shared commitment to building safer communities.
The panel featured 5 youth leaders who brought lived experiences, advocacy, and policy perspectives to the discussion.
They included Youth Shadow Mayor Sannaa Rowland, Belize City Council representative Rajiv Ramsey, Triston Courtenay of Pathlight Belize, Kaleeyah Harris of the Youth Advisory Group, and UNICEF Youth Ambassador Favor Joy Hammond. Their contributions highlighted the critical role of young people in driving awareness, prevention, and systemic change.
The Belize City Council acknowledged the support of key partners whose collaboration made the event possible.
These included UNICEF Belize, UNFPA Caribbean, the Department of Youth Services, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, Youth Enhancement Services (YES), and the Child Advisory Body Belize City.
Special recognition was also extended to the secondary and tertiary institutions whose students actively participated in the discussion, including Anglican Cathedral College, Edward P. Yorke High School, Itz’at STEAM Academy, Maud Williams High School, Gwen Lizarraga High School, St. John’s College, St. Catherine’s Academy, and Sadie Vernon Technical High School.
The post Belize City council hosts 5th annual Youth Panel on Gender-Based and Domestic Violence appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The Belize City Council, in collaboration with national and international partners, successfully hosted the 5th Annual Youth Panel Discussion focused on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), and Domestic Violence (DV). The youth-led forum, held under the theme “Empowered Voices. Bold Conversations.”, aimed to challenge harmful social norms, promote
The post Belize City council hosts 5th annual Youth Panel on Gender-Based and Domestic Violence appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
