On March 25th, 2020, San Pedro’s Deborah ‘DJ Debbie’ Spain, and Brittney O’Daniel will be honored at the 16th Annual Outstanding Women’s Awards Ceremony. They are among 20 extraordinary women who will be recognized for their contributions to their communities.
Every year, a series of activities are held to commemorate women in March, highlighting issues important to them and their achievements. This year’s theme, ‘#ChoosetoChallenge: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World,’ provides the opportunity to recognize that everyone can challenge areas of concern related to women’s rights and gender equality. The National Women’s Commission (NWC) in Belize coordinates activities dedicated to these role models throughout the month. As every year, several women are chosen for their outstanding contribution to their communities and being role models across the country.
According to the Women’s Department, the women recognized demonstrate their will to be the change they want to see in Belize and have shared their commitment and skills for the betterment of their communities. The month, dedicated to women’s accomplishments across the country, designates March 8th as International Women’s Day.
The two island women recognized later this month are no strangers to San Pedro. Here is some additional information on them:
In Belize, the first International Women’s Day was observed in the late 1970s and was initiated by a strong group of women from various organizations. Since those early years, International Women’s Day has assumed a new dimension for women in Belize. The celebration is considered a time to reflect on progress made, call for change, and celebrate the acts of courage and determination by ordinary Belizean women.
