“Women Empowered to Lead Change”, A Book on YWCA’s History

Annually, on April twenty-fourth, Young Women’s Christian Associations across the world celebrate World Y.W.C.A. Day. In Belize, Y.W.C.A. commemorated the day with the launch of a book titled, “Women Empowered to Lead Change”. The book captured the Y’s contribution to Belize since it was founded sixty-seven years ago.  In 1956, Winnie Ward, the wife of a former Chief Justice, believed that young women in Belize needed a Y.W.C.A. to develop their skills and leadership. And the rest is history. The book is currently on sale at Y.W.C.A. Belize City Office. News Five’s Paul Lopez was at this morning’s launch event. He filed the following report.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

This morning the Young Women’s Christian Association launched a book called “Women Empowered to Lead Change”. The book tells the story of the YWCA in Belize.

 

Sheryl Terry, Former VP, YWCA Belize

“In the wise words of Benazir Ruther, to know the past is to understand the present and shape the future. These words hold profound meaning as we take a moment to reflect on the rich history of YWCA and its lasting influence on the lives of countless individuals in Belize. As we delve into the pages of history we must pay tribute to the remarkable individuals who have shaped the Y into what it is today.”

 

The YWCA started with classes in drama, cooking, embroidery, crochet, dancing and a couple other offerings. Overtime the Y expanded and began providing daycare services, opportunities for marginalized young women, and activities for senior citizens.

 

Sheryl Terry

“The YWCA has been dedicated to fostering micro business development for improved livelihoods all while staying true to our mission of empowering the spiritual, intellectual and physical growth of our women and girls in Belize. Today as we embrace a new era, let us carry the torch of empowerment with renewed zeal.”

 

Women Empowered to Lead Change was written by author and retired librarian, Lawrence Vernon. Commissioned by the association, he began his research three years ago to document the history of YWCA in Belize.

 

Lawrence Vernon, Author

“It goes back from the Y was established in 1956 and the people who established it, the names are in the book, they were the pioneers so to speak, so that the history is well documented from then. I could have traced it from 1956 to the present 2020 when it was cut off. In researching history you would find that it is not always available in any one place. You would have to go to different aspects and interview one or two people who were involved. Most of the people who were involved at that time has passed away. So I had to go into the news papers and see their achievements, the Y at the time and that is how I really got to put together the information.”

 

Minister of Human Development, Dolores Balderamos-Garcia and Yasser Musa, an advisor to the National Institute of Culture and History, both contributed to funding this latest literary work. Minister Dolores says the book launch is a signature moment in the association’s history.

 

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development

“The book being presented today is a signature event, it is a really signature event because the Y and its history are synonymous with the development of Belize, especially where the empowerment and education of women and girls is concerned. I want to take this opportunity to quote Barrack Obama. He said, during his time as president, he said that educating and empowering women and girls is not just the correct thing to do, it is the smart thing to do, because when you educate and empower women and girls we help our entire society.”

 

Yasser Musa, Advisor to NICH   

“Every book that is published is a contribution to intellectual capital, to the future, to the inheritance of our small nation. So I take this opportunity to say a big congratulations for taking the time and the effort to publish this book, because it is not an ordinary act. It is an extraordinary thing, a thing of inspiration.”

 

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.