Productive Organization for Women in Action

Productive Organization for Women in Action (POWA) works to eliminate discrimination and gender inequity in southern Belize and combat the spread of HIV/AIDS. POWA seeks to build the capacity of girls and women and engage the community in bringing an end to violence against children. It does this through a series of workshops, lectures and awareness initiatives. In 2011, POWA established a youth arm called Girl POWA that targets girls who are vulnerable. POWA teaches girls in Dangriga to develop self-esteem and coaches them on SRHR. Girls are taught leadership and team building skills and encouraged to engage in organised sports. POWA’s innovative approach to programming and its strong commitment to girl representation in its decision making has been a key factor of its success. Its activities are rooted in the needs and desires expressed by the girls themselves. The benefit of working in such a small community means POWA members are better able to mobilise support and help girls in their neighbourhoods. As a result, more girls from the area have had access to school and have managed to stay in school despite challenging circumstances.