Caribbean Women Leaders Lead Regional Dialogue on Gender-Based Violence

Six senior female leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean, including Belize’s Minister Thea Garcia-Ramirez, came together this week for a high-level regional dialogue confronting the escalating crisis of violence against women.

The panel that was discussed was titled ‘Challenges in Addressing Violence Against Women in Latin America and the Caribbean’.

The dialogue was hosted virtually by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and brought together other ministers and officials from the Bahamas, Brazil, Haiti, Jamaica, and Paraguay.

Garcia-Ramiez, the Minister of Human Development, Families and Gender Affairs, spoke on the alarming connection between domestic violence and organised crime in Belize.

According to Garcia-Ramirez, the rise in domestic violence in Belize can no longer be seen in isolation, as it is now closely linked to organised crime. She warned that violence against women has expanded beyond the home and is deeply connected to wider issues of national security and development.

“Tackling this crisis requires a whole-of-society response that centres the needs and voices of women and girls,” she said.

The panel addressed shared regional challenges, including underreporting, limited access to justice, and under-resourced protective services. Belize’s participation underscored its continued commitment to regional cooperation and safeguarding the rights of women and girls.