Critics Question Long-Term Impact of Belize’s 16 Days of Activism Campaign, Minister Responds

As Belize observes the 16 Days of Activism, there is growing concern about the campaign’s long-term impact. While the initiative has successfully raised awareness, many are questioning whether it will lead to real change in addressing the widespread issue of gender-based violence. The campaign encourages individuals and organizations to unite against violence and promote gender equality. However, critics argue that while the campaign highlights the problem, there is insufficient action to create lasting solutions. Today, Minister of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous People’s Affairs Dolores Balderamos Garcia responded to the criticism and whether she believes there have been angle changes through the years of observing the campaign.

Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minster of Human Development: “I believe yes. Tangible, it’s hard to say. You know, it’s hard to say whether it is absolutely tangible, that you could touch and feel it. But I believe, I really do believe that the awareness has grown. The awareness has grown significantly. And you know, I want to talk about two or three cases that have come up recently. Even during the 16 days of activism, we do still have abuse. We do still have… people going to the police and saying “I want to make this report”. And I want to say this, not because a woman might make a report and say to the police “I don’t want further action I am making this report for future reference” I don’t think we should ever condemn a victim of any form of gender-based abuse. gender-based abuse, I don’t think we should condemn a victim for saying “I don’t want further action.” Because the fact that that, and it’s mostly women, the fact that woman did make a police report shows that there is not the silence and the hiding when it comes to what is wrong. So even though she may later say either to the police or to the court that she doesn’t want further action I think it is important for us to still offer that support. Many times because of children, because of situations of dependency, etc., a victim of domestic abuse may not want to leave the relationship right away.”

The campaign runs from November 25 to December 10.