The Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children in partnership with the National Women’s Commission (NWC), the Women’s Department, UNICEF Belize, The Embassy of the United States of America and the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation hosted its third bi-annual 20,000 Strong Women’s Empowerment Rally on Friday, March 16, 2018, at the Marion Jones Sports Complex. The Rally brought together thousands of women, men and students from across the country in yet another massive show of unity to ignite change in our society. As per usual, participants marched from the Memorial Park to the Marion
Jones Sports Complex where they were met by a large congregation of students and teachers who travelled from out-district to attend the Rally.
This year, the Rally brought national attention to issues affecting adolescents under the theme: “Nurturing the Next Generation” #PressforProgress and offered a platform for our youths to voice their thoughts and opinions on topics including cyberviolence, gender-based violence, development and innovation, male participation in advancing gender equity and more.
During her opening remarks, the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, reminded women and girls to think of themselves as valuable and worthy. She encouraged them to realize their greatest dreams, to support each other and celebrate each other’s success. In addition to this, she applauded the men who supported the Rally and sent out a clarion call to all men for greater involvement in the quest for gender parity.
Participants also got the opportunity to support local women entrepreneurs and a first-hand look at the artistic and innovative creations of secondary school students from the various districts.
Mrs. Simplis Barrow is grateful to everyone who supported this event. She extends a heartfelt “thank you” to the women of the planning committee, to principals, teachers, students, police officers, traffic officers and all the women and men of Belize who came out in large numbers. (Headline Picture by Life Graphix Photography)
