Orange Walk Councillor Joins U.S. Women in Politics Programme

Orange Walk Town Councillor Joesie Cantun is representing Belize in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The Orange Walk Town Council announced on social media, “We are proud to share that Joesie Cantun is participating in the Women in Politics and Civil Society programme.”

The programme brings emerging leaders from around the world to the United States for professional development and the exchange of ideas. According to the council, Cantun will explore strategies that support women’s participation in politics, social development, and economic opportunities.

Her involvement comes at a time when women’s political participation in Belize is still evolving. In the March 2025 general elections, Belize witnessed a historic first with a female candidate leading a major political party and contesting the office of prime minister. Another nine women also ran in their constituencies, meaning that out of 90 confirmed nominations, only 11% were women.

Globally, progress has been uneven but is steadily advancing. According to World Population Review, “In the United Nations’ UN Women division, 30 women were serving as Heads of State and/or Government in 28 countries as of September 19, 2022. Many of these women are earning praise for their innovative and effective leadership and for offering unique and fresh perspectives on the challenges their countries face.”