The CEDAW forum in Belize brought together leaders, advocates, mental health professionals, and community members to discuss women’s rights, gender-based violence, and trauma. META Belize and Mind Health Connect participated in the forum as part of the wider 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The Ministry of Public Service commemorated the start of the 16 Days of Activism on November 25, 2024. This global campaign takes place from November 25 to December 10 each year.
CEDAW Forum in Belize
As part of the campaign, the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus spearheaded a one-day forum in Belize City on November 27. The event focused on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
The National Assembly established the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus as a joint standing committee. It includes members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. At the time of the forum, the caucus included nine women parliamentarians.
Women’s parliamentary caucuses can provide opportunities for women parliamentarians to work across political lines on issues affecting women. They can also strengthen women’s participation in policy and legislative discussions. Learn more about the work of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Belize ratified CEDAW in 1990. The convention provides an international framework for addressing discrimination against women. The forum therefore created an opportunity to discuss progress, responsibilities, and continuing challenges related to women’s rights in Belize.
Mental Health, Trauma and the CEDAW Forum
Before the opening ceremony, Licensed Clinical Therapist Azalia Larrieu led participants through a guided mindfulness exercise. The activity incorporated mind-body awareness within the broader discussion of trauma.
Topics involving gender-based violence and trauma can bring up difficult emotions. Therefore, the opening also encouraged participants to consider their emotional well-being while engaging with sensitive discussions.
Mrs. Larrieu reminded attendees that the forum would address mental health, gender-based violence, trauma, abuse, violence, and psychological distress. Participants were encouraged to engage at a level that felt appropriate for them and to seek support when needed.
Mind Health Connect was also available during the event to provide information and help participants identify relevant mental health resources.
Watch the Full Opening
META Belize and Mind Health Connect
In collaboration with META Belize, the not-for-profit mental health organization Mind Health Connect hosted a booth at the forum. Attendees could ask questions and find information about relevant mental health resources. The participation also created opportunities for conversations about gender issues, equality, trauma, and emotional well-being.
For additional information and support, explore META Belize’s mental health resources and mental health services.
Women’s Rights and CEDAW
The first session was titled “CEDAW and Beijing+30: Women’s Rights—Exploring Obligations and Progress.” Ms. Marion Bethel and Ms. Tonni Brodber delivered presentations during the session. Hon. Kareem Musa moderated the discussion.
During the second session, Hon. Dolores Balderamos, Hon. Tracy Panton, and Senator Sherene Golding Campbell of Jamaica shared perspectives related to CEDAW implementation.
The final session included presentations from Ms. Eleanor Murillo, Executive Director of the National Women’s Commission, and CEO Adele Catzim of the Ministry of Human Development. Their presentations addressed practices for responding to gender-based violence in Belize.
Senator Hon. Janelle Chanona, Chair of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, closed the forum with reflections and words of encouragement.
Continuing the Conversation
Mental health, trauma, and gender-based violence are complex issues that involve individuals, families, organizations, and communities. Events such as the CEDAW forum in Belize provide space for education, discussion, and collaboration across different sectors.
META Belize remains committed to supporting conversations about mental health and trauma-informed care. You can learn more about our work at META Belize or contact us for more information.
