It was established in 1959 by Gwendolyn Lizarraga(madam Liz as she is popularly known); a woman that advocated for social justice and empowerment of women. Gwen Lizarraga began recruiting women in Belize City at PUP divisional meetings and by the end of March 1959 had 900 members, which rose to fourteen hundred(1,400) by May. In April Lizarrag began recruiting in the districts, and branches were f
ounded in Stann Creek and Cayo(both in San Ignacio and half dozen villages) where groups of PUP women had been mobilzed since at least 1954. Soon after branches were formed in Maskall and Orange Walk, then in Sand Hill, Benque Viejo and Punta Gorda.By November 1959, membership had reached five thousand(thirty-five hundred outside of Belize City alone) and only Corozal had no members. Gwen Lizarraga was a great woman of this country who always thought of the
poor and needy. She successfully made a bid for the Pickstock Division in 1961. There were five challengers in that division that year, but Lady Lizarraga garnered 69% of the votes. It was the first year that a woman even ran in the national elections in Belize. This exceptional woman holds at least two records in this country: she was the first woman to be elected to the House of Representatives and she was also the first woman to be appointed a government Minister. In politics, her influence was broad and deep and her experience in social work
had helped her to get to know many poor people and their support for her in
every election had been very impressive. She was the only politician who made
no secret of her opposition to the granting of a casino concession in the country
of Belize. During her term of office as Minister of Education and Housing, that Ministry
constructed low-cost housing in the King's Park area and the Lake Independence
area. Gwendolyn Lizarraga deserves to be regarded as truly one of the
great women this country has produced. Today, for her contribution to Belize a secondary school was named in her honor:
The Gwen Lizarraga High School that is nestled in the heart of the Collet Division
in Belize City. The aim of the UWG still remains the same today; to raise the consciousness of Belizean women in the history, politics, culture, economy,health and society of Belize so as to empower them. This the UWG does through health fairs and meetings in the many different branch locations. We the members of the United Women's Group(UWG), urge all our fellow women(young, old and in between)of Belize(both home and abroad) to become a member today. Like Diane Mariechild, author of "Mother of Wit said; "A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform." Let's transform our society by positive impacting the future. You must exercise your power and be heard. Join the United Women's Group today.
