Countries: Belize
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2

"Between 2010–2012, a project entitled 'Increasing Access to Justice, Psycho-social and Rehabilitative Services for Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Domestic Abuse' was implemented. It was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Human Development, the Women’s Department, Youth Enhancement Services (YES), Haven House and WIN-Belize with funding from the U.S. Embassy. It focused on interagency collaboration and support for victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. A total of 68 victims and family members received psycho-social care and legal support" (27).

Countries: Belize
Variables: MISA-PRACTICE-1

"Mental Health services are available at hospitals and polyclinics across the country mostly staffed by Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. The Unit supports the Domestic Violence Unit and provides training to medical staff. However, the mental health sector continuously reports lack of Counsellors, Clinical Psychologists, Mental Health Specialists, and other support personnel, therefore, referrals to NGO services are vital. Governmental agencies make referrals to agencies such as the Child Development Foundation that houses the only Counsellor specialized in traumainformed therapy countrywide. Such collaborations alleviate shortages. To bridge these gaps, the 2021 Spotlight Initiative seeks to train first responders at the community level on basic counselling skills" (27).

Countries: Belize
Variables: MMR-PRACTICE-1

"Maternal Mortality decreased during the reporting period. In 2009, a Quality Improvement of Maternal and Neonatal Policy was adopted. This included a 'Companion at birth' policy to address the mental health/psychological health of the expectant mother and allow family involvement during labour, delivery, and postpartum periods. The 2013 MDG Scorecard reported that much of the decline in maternal mortality can be attributed to a 20 per cent increase in the number of births attended by skilled medical personnel. In 2011, there was no maternal death. In 2017, the mortality rate was at 36. That year, 94 per cent of women had given birth by a skilled birth attendant. Pre-natal care...more

Countries: Belize
Variables: NGOFW-DATA-1

"In 2007, the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National AIDS Commission (NAC) and National Trade Union Congress of Belize developed an HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy" (37-38). "During the reporting period, partnerships between the Ministry of Health, National AIDS Commission, the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC), governmental agencies and NGOs working on sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. As mentioned in various paragraphs above, collaborations led to policy development, especially draft anti-discrimination legislation, and improved services for key populations" (38). "Following the Committee concerns regarding rural women, the Women’s Department assigned a Rural Women’s Development Officer in 2010. The office supports rural...more

Countries: Belize
Variables: NGOFW-PRACTICE-1

"The NAC responds directly to the Office of the Prime Minister. It is the primary entity coordinating projects, policy, legislation, and advocacy regarding HIV/AIDS. It receives annual financial support from the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. It is made up of 18 agencies and has committees in each district. The Belize National Strategic Plan on HIV/STIs, Viral Hepatitis and TB 2021–2025, strategy outlines the Commission’s responsibilities regarding gender-based violence and sexual violence" (37). "In 2007, the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National AIDS Commission (NAC) and National Trade Union Congress of Belize developed an HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy" (37-38). "During...more

Countries: Belize
Variables: RISW-PRACTICE-1

"To ensure sexual and reproductive health information reaches all schools, the 2021 Spotlight Initiative plans to scale up programs with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and NGO’s working on these topics. The program will utilize a comprehensive sexuality education approach which uses a Health and Family Life Education Curriculum, Positive Youth Development Curriculum, and It’s All One Curriculum. The initiative will include out-of-school girls as well as those with disabilities" (36). "Through Innovation and National Accountability for the HIV and TB Response in Belize program which commenced in 2019, with support from Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. In 2021, the National AIDS Commission (NAC)...more

Countries: Belize
Variables: SEGI-PRACTICE-2

"As mentioned before, faith-based, and pro-life groups challenge the adoption of gender polices in Belize. The 2010–2013 Revised NGP (2010–2013) received nationwide social protests (#killthebill) due to the policy’s definition of respect for diversity and sexual orientation. In 2020, the Ministry of Human Development, the National AIDS Commission and Office of the Special Envoy drafted The Equal Opportunities Bill (EOB) which sought to protect an individual from discrimination. The bill defined discrimination and outlined 21 characteristics that an individual could be discriminated for, including gender, sex, age, and disability. It stipulated what constitutes discriminatory actions as well as fines for violators. 9 Protesting factions viewed them as encouraging LBGT+ rights...more

Countries: Belize
Variables: UVAW-PRACTICE-1

"Provisions were made to increase support, protection, and restitution for victims of violence and discrimination" (3). "In 2010, with support from the Global Fund Project, a nation-wide Sisterhood Camp was held for young women between 13 and 16 years of age. Here, 42 young women were trained as peer educators in gender-based violence, who in turn, trained 343 of their peers" (13).

Countries: Belize
Variables: TRAFF-PRACTICE-1

"Part III of the Trafficking in Persons Law requires the Government to investigate cases: (a) take all necessary steps to identify victims of trafficking (b) provide reasonable protection to such victims to prevent their recapture, and (c) take reasonable measures to secure the victim’s family against threats of intimidation by the traffickers. Victims are never arrested or detained instead they are offered protective care under the Human Services Department. These range from 24-hour security to placement. In 2021, nine victims received protection from the Government. The Government partners with foster parents, shelters or government administered care facilities to place them" (29). "A Social Worker attached to the Human Services Department...more

Countries: Belize
Variables: TRAFF-DATA-1

"During 2010–2013, three major operations and surveillance were carried out; Seven persons were arrested and charged with a total of eight counts of Trafficking in Persons, Attempted Trafficking in Persons, Rape and Aggravated Assault. Between 2018–2021, 61 potential victims were identified. Both immigrants and Belizean nationals are victims, most were women. Persons arrested for trafficking violations were both men and women including Belizean and foreign nationals; In 2021, there were three confirmed victims of forced prostitution and labour trafficking" (28). "In 2021, nine victims received protection from the Government. The Government partners with foster parents, shelters or government administered care facilities to place them" (29).

Countries: Belize
Variables: SMES-LAW-1

"The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development executed the EU-funded Belize Rural Development Program (BRDP) from 2006–2011. The project focused on promoting economic growth and reducing the incidence of poverty in rural Belize...It was anticipated that 1,000 - 1,500 productive rural enterprises would benefit, instead 3,290 households benefited directly from subprojects nation-wide of which 67.9 per cent were female-headed households" (21).

Countries: Belize
Variables: TRAFF-LAW-1

"In 2013, the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2013, CAP 108 of the Laws of Belize. replaced the 2003 version. The revised version put into effect the UN Protocol to Prevent Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons. The new Act criminalizes sex trafficking, labour trafficking and forced marriage of both adult and child victims. This Act also addresses trafficking in children for adoption or criminal intent. It outlines procedures for the forfeiture of assets gained from trafficking activities and made provisions to improve aid and protection for victims. In 2013, the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (Prohibition) Act (CSEC) was passed. The CSEC Act gave effect to the Optional Protocol...more

Countries: Belize
Variables: GP-DATA-3

"Data on the prevalence and incidence of violence against women is collected from this system of support and most of the data is housed in the Ministry of Health. At the same time, administrative data remains in disparate administrative offices (Belize Police Department, Ministry of Human Development, Ministry of Health and the courts). Data in the courts is still stored in a rudimentary a manner, most of which is paper based" (24-25). "The 2017–2020 National Gender-based Violence Action Plan aims at raising awareness through intense advocacy and communication strategies at the national level" (25). "Training teachers to implement HFLE [Health and Family Life Education] is ongoing. Over a four-year period,...more

Countries: Belize
Variables: GP-DATA-6

"According to the Chief Justice Reports, female judges dominate lower courts every year. For example, in 2015 there were 12 Magistrates, 10 were females. In 2013, there were three family court judges, all women" (14).

Countries: Belize
Variables: ISTD-DATA-1

"The commission notes the importance of education and awareness regarding HIV/AIDS especially among vulnerable groups of women such as Les/bi women, transwomen, female sex workers and commercial sex workers. The latter two along with men who have sex with men account to over 85 per cent of new HIV infections annually" (37). "Belize continued with its prevention of Mother-to-child transmission of HIV programme. Free HIV test are offered to all pregnant women. In 2010, out of the 6,631 registered pregnant women, there was 93.2 per cent coverage with HIV testing. 53 women were detected as HIV positive. The number of women who are HIV+ and pregnant decreased by around 10...more