Flag Raising Ceremony organized by GBV Committee

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence commenced with a Flag-Raising Ceremony in San Pedro on November 22nd. The San Pedro Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Committee organized this event to raise awareness about the prevalence of gender-based violence in the community.
The public ceremony, which took place at Central Park at 4:30PM, attracted numerous guests, including local leaders and important community figures. During the event, Honorable Andre Perez, the Area Representative for Belize Rural South and Minister of the Blue Economy, highlighted the significance of community involvement in the fight against gender-based violence. He stressed that initiatives like this are crucial for making San Pedro safer and more welcoming for all its residents. Participants from the National Women’s Commission (NWC) emphasized the importance of activism and advocacy for victims.
At the end of the formalities, a new flag symbolizing the campaign against gender violence was raised. This flag represents the struggles and voices of many individuals who are committed to advocating for an end to all forms of violence. The flag-raising event begins a broader campaign from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). This period is recognized globally as a time to raise awareness about issues related to gender-based violence and to promote women’s rights. The San Pedro GBV Committee has organized several events during these 16 days, including workshops, training sessions, and community outreach initiatives to educate locals about their rights and available resources.
These programs are designed to raise awareness and empower community members to act against domestic abuse. Following a period of inactivity, the committee’s recent reactivation reflects a renewed commitment to addressing this critical issue. Upcoming informational workshops have been scheduled to guide how victims of violence can seek support and assistance.
In addition to launching this vital campaign, the flag-raising ceremony mobilizes the community to combat gender-based violence. It underscores that everyone in the community is responsible for creating a safe and violence-free environment. The efforts of the San Pedro Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Committee demonstrate how small actions can significantly contribute to more significant national and global movements aimed at eliminating gender-based violence.