Embracing Equity

International Women’s Day is observed annually on March 8th. The entire month of March is now dedicated to highlighting the importance of women and raising awareness of gender equality. This year’s campaign theme is #EmbraceEquity.

I want to encourage all women, this month especially, but also beyond, to not just think and say these words but to actually do it. These two words are very powerful, especially when combined. We must take a minute to sit down and fully understand the meaning before we can value and believe in them. Embrace means to hold closely and Equity means to be fair and impartial. Therefore, the two words combined simply mean to hold closely to fairness and impartially. In other words, this theme is telling us that as a society we need to create a world that revolves around inclusivity. We must start to acknowledge the inequities we as women are facing and actively work to balance them. As women, we must become way more proactive in every aspect of community development if we want to achieve gender equality. Women must advocate to educate and inspire our women and girls. We must change the mindset of families and society as to what girls can and cannot do, but most importantly, we must get more women into power. Women must be involved in all aspects of decision making for this country if we want to truly grow towards achieving gender equality. The only way we will ever be able to achieve gender equality is by empowering women through the process of equity.

This March, as we celebrate International Women’s month, let us actively, together, support and embrace equity within our own environment, whether it be in the work-place, classroom, church or at home. We all must play our part to impact positive change. Embrace equity today and always. #EmbraceEquity ment in the future of the Belize Defence Force and the Belize interagency. We are proud to partner with Belize in our shared pursuit of secure borders and regional stability.”

Minister Marin further noted, “The aircraft will improve our readiness and effectiveness in combatting current and future threats to our nation’s security.”

The U.S. Foreign Military Financing program is a Department of Defense program designed to improve the defense capabilities of partner nations to help contribute toward common security goals in the region. Last year, the United States provided US $1.6 million in security assistance to Belize through the program, which has included vehicles, training, and communication systems.