Young Women Take Over National Assembly in Historic Mock Sitting

Belize’s future female leaders took center stage today inside the National Assembly in Belmopan, as participants in the Young Women in Leadership (YWiL) Programme engaged in a historic mock sitting of an all-women House of Representatives and Senate.  The special sitting, which commenced at nine-thirty this morning, forms the highlight of the programme, giving young women the opportunity to step into the roles of parliamentarians and debate national and global issues. One of the key moments in the sitting came when Youth Representative for Corozal Bay, Janelle Guerra, presented a resolution centered on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as CEDAW. The resolution called for greater inclusion of women in decision-making spaces and the removal of longstanding social and structural barriers that hinder gender equality.

In response, Youth Leader of the Opposition, Jaunna Murrillo Palacio, rose to contribute to the debate, emphasizing that while there was no disagreement with the principles outlined in the resolution, there must be stronger focus on tangible action and implementation.

Throughout the session, several youth parliamentarians also voiced their perspectives, reflecting a wide range of views and a shared commitment to advancing gender equality and national development.

The mock sitting follows several days of preparation, including leadership training, discussions, and a full rehearsal, all aimed at equipping participants with the skills and confidence needed to effectively engage in governance.  Organizers say the Young Women in Leadership Programme (YWiL) continues to serve as a vital platform for empowering young Belizean women, fostering leadership, and encouraging active participation in the country’s democratic processes.