Belize Gears Up for Sixteen Days of Activism

Belize is preparing to launch its Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on November 25, 2025, amidst a troubling surge in domestic violence incidents. In the past twenty days alone, at least five lives have been lost to gender-based violence, casting a shadow over the recent Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Human Development, has emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing this crisis and ensuring the safety of women and children. Speaking at a press conference, Garcia-Ramirez outlined the campaign’s objectives and called for collective action across all sectors of society. She highlighted the multifaceted nature of gender-based violence, which extends beyond physical and sexual abuse to include financial, emotional, and verbal abuse. The government is also revising the existing Act Against Gender-Based Violence, with plans to engage civil society organizations, stakeholders, and the public in consultations. Garcia-Ramirez urged media outlets to amplify the campaign’s message and encouraged families and communities to recognize the warning signs of abuse. The revised draft of the act will be made available for public review after the sixteen-day campaign, marking a critical step toward legislative reform and societal change.