CAFRA Belize & St. Lucia Young Women

CAFRA BELIZE & ST. LUCIA

YOUNG WOMEN

The CAFRA Junior League in St. Lucia has provided a very valuable and cherished space for young girls aged 11-19 to learn about feminism, to develop effective communication and advocacy skills as well as to actively participate in a variety of activities.

The group exists in various communities and schools around the island and so far several of the senior members of the junior group have become full members of CAFRA St. Lucia after graduating from college. Some of the activities of the CAFRA Junior League are based on outdoor or fund-raising, but the majority of work done by the group is focused on activities which promote gender equity and which serve to impact directly on people. A series of educational lectures, wrap-sessions and workshops have also been organised by the group, in order to ensure that its members are up to date on issues relating to globalisation, reproductive health, gender, human rights, among others.

During the 17th Biennial Conference of the Caribbean Women’s Association (CARIWA), the group played an important role as part of the local organizing committee. They were also directly involved in registration procedures, meeting delegates at the airport, preparing rooms for meetings, attending some of the training sessions and networking. This kind of exposure provided a very good opportunity for members of the Junior League to meet with and learn from women who have a lot more experience in the feminist movement.

The CAFRA Junior League in St. Lucia is a very important feature of the work of that national group as the junior members are given many opportunities to get involved in the work of CAFRA at various levels. The support network between the senior and the junior members also provides an excellent opportunity for motivating young women to get involved and to continue supporting the work of the national group

CAFRA YOUNG WOMEN BELIZE

The CAFRA-Belize Youth Group was formed in October 2003. To date we have a total membership of seven (7), with commitment from three (3) other young women. In addition we have discussed the possibility of sourcing new members from the high schools and tertiary level institutions.

The group is planning on working with the Statistical Department on disaggregating information, creating a database with this information with a focus on women and youth. Additionally, the group will be looking at ways in which they can assist orphan children affected and or infected with/by HIV/AIDS.

One of the questions or concern is that of membership dues for the youth group. It is being suggested we might look at a special price to be agreed upon. It was suggested that we look at a discounted price for them.

Members of the youth group assisted in the logistical element of the first “Belize Black Summit” in September of 2003. The group will be meeting next month to work on the Database project.