On International Women's Day 2026, Balancing the Scales for Every Girl in Belize by Sajid Ali

 

by Sajid Ali, Acting Representative
UNICEF Belize
6 March 2026
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This article is framed around the International Women's Day 2026 theme of "Rights, Justice, Action for ALL Women and Girls."

UNICEF Belize's Acting Representative reflects on progress and persistent gaps for girls in the country, and outlines six active UNICEF programmes working to advance gender equity. 

He notes that while women hold visible leadership roles across Belizean society — including Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton, recently named the country's first female Leader of the Opposition — too many girls still face barriers to safety, education and opportunity. 

The six programmes described are: a national action plan to end violence against children; digital inclusion and curriculum reform initiatives, including Girls in ICT clubs reaching over 110 girls; an adolescent health strategy covering mental health, WASH and HPV vaccination; social protection reforms integrating shock-responsive elements to keep girls in school during crises; use of MICS7 survey data to identify and address gaps; and the MENgage initiative, which works with teenage boys to challenge harmful gender norms and build respect for girls. 

"Balancing the scales is therefore more than a theme — it is our shared task. It means ensuring that the promises we make to girls translate into the opportunities they deserve including the chance to learn, to be safe and healthy, to lead, and to contribute fully to Belize." — Sajid Ali, Acting Representative, UNICEF Belize