SCLAN advances gender equality through facilitator training

On 13–14 April, the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN), together with the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children of Belize, headed by the First Lady of Belize, Rossana Briceño, held a two-day Training of Trainers for the revised curriculum of the programme Engaging Men and Boys to Advance Gender Equality and Help Prevent Gender-Based Violence.

The training aimed to equip facilitators with up-to-date knowledge and practical tools to deliver the programme effectively in Belizean high schools. Participants explored a range of topics essential to promoting respectful and equitable relationships, including gender awareness, domestic violence, gender-based violence, mental health, and the development of healthy relationships. The programme seeks to encourage boys and young men to become active advocates for equality and to contribute to building safer and more inclusive communities.

Promoting gender equality remains one of SCLAN’s key priorities, while the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, led by the First Lady of Belize, Rossana Briceño, places particular emphasis on engaging boys and men through gender education and community-based initiatives. The training also brought together national partners working to strengthen prevention efforts and expand the programme’s impact across the country.

Gender equality is fundamental to building inclusive, resilient, and prosperous societies, and empowering young people through education is an essential step towards achieving lasting social change.

About SCLAN

Established in 2017, the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) brings together the spouses of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to advance social and human development across the region. Through partnerships with governments, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector, SCLAN implements initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Every Woman Every Child global strategy. The organisation is currently chaired by the First Lady of The Bahamas, Ann-Marie Davis. The First Lady of Belize, Rossana Briceño, served as SCLAN Chair from 2022 to 2024 and continues to serve on its Executive Committee.