Youth Voices Lead Gender-Based Violence Advocacy on Human Rights Day

A powerful wave of youth-led advocacy echoed through the Jaguar pavilion in Old Belize as over 30 adolescents gathered yesterday for the 5th youth panel discussion on gender-based violence. The December 10 discussion came at the end of the 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence and on Human Rights Day.  The discussions were centered around roles that youth play in shaping effective preventions and response strategies. The panel, featuring a diverse group of young leaders, moved beyond statistics to the sharing of personal insights, community observations, and innovative ideas. Discussions tackled the roots of gender-based violence in cultural norms, the alarming prevalence of digital harassment, the critical importance of consent education, and the need for stronger support systems for survivors.  Jewel Crawford gave her remarks on the negative effects of gender-based violence on teenage girls.

Jewel Crawford:“Gender-based violence is a known driver of adolescent and teen pregnancy. And it is often rooted in unequal power dynamics, lack of consent, limited access to accurate information, and silence around sensitive issues. Spaces like this youth panel, therefore is as important and it is necessary and we as organizations should create room for more honest conversations to be had to challenge harmful norms in our society, and to empower young people to recognize violence, to speak out against it, and advocate for healthier and safer relationships.” 

 As the fifth anniversary of this critical forum, yesterday’s discussion marked a significant shift from raising awareness to demanding tangible policy change, signaling a new chapter in Belize’s fight against gender-based violence.