On the final day of Women’s History Month observances in Belize, March 31, 2026, hundreds of women serving across the nation’s security branches took to the streets of Belmopan in a unified march marking the conclusion of the month-long celebration of women’s contributions to public service. The procession brought together female service members from three core security institutions: the Belize Police Department, the Belize Defence Force (BDF), and the Belize Coast Guard, who stepped through the capital’s streets to publicly demonstrate their dedication, discipline, and relentless commitment to protecting the nation.
In remarks delivered following the march, Florencio Marin, Belize’s Minister of National Defense and Border Security, emphasized that symbolic recognition during Women’s Month is no longer enough. Marin called for systemic, ongoing change to break down remaining barriers for women in national security, arguing that meaningful inclusion must be a year-round practice, not a seasonal gesture of appreciation.
“ We must continue to ensure that women in national security are given equal opportunities to train, to advance, and to lead. And just as importantly, we must continue to create an environment where they feel supported, respected, and valued. Because inclusion cannot be seasonal. It has to be something we practice consistently,” Marin said.
Marin went on to highlight the growing, underrecognized impact of women in Belize’s security operations, noting that female service members are now regularly deployed to frontline patrols and operations in the country’s maritime territories. He added that women have repeatedly proven their capability, often outperforming their male colleagues in high-stakes roles, and deserve equitable advancement rather than token gratitude.
“They’re holding their own. And they’re performing equally and many times better than their male counterparts. So we don’t just want to be giving a token like, oh, thank you for being in. No, they are earning their salary,” Marin stated.
Richard Rosado, Commissioner of the Belize Police Department, also praised the event and the service of women across all security branches. Rosado commended both the opening and closing marches held during Women’s Month as displays of remarkable professionalism and discipline, noting that the processions carry deep symbolic weight for the future of national security in Belize.
“These displays were not only disciplined and professional, but also deeply symbolic. They reflect strength, cohesion, and unwavering commitment that women bring to national service,” Rosado said.
This report is a transcribed excerpt from an evening television newscast focused on Belizean current affairs.