Department of Environment hosts consultation on gender in Belize’s RAC sector

By Zoila Palma:  The Department of the Environment, through its National Ozone Unit, brought together female refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) technicians and key stakeholders on Friday, August 28, for a national consultation focused on increasing women’s participation in Belize’s cooling sector.

The consultation brought together representatives from the Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technicians (ARACT), TVET educators, refrigerant importers, the National Women’s Commission and international partners.

Discussions highlighted the significant underrepresentation of women in the trade, with only a handful of women among approximately 450 technicians trained through Belize’s Montreal Protocol programmes.

Women currently working in the RAC industry shared their experiences, including the challenges they faced entering the traditionally male-dominated trade, the skills and support needed to remain in the profession, and opportunities for women seeking careers in the sector. Caribbean colleagues also shared experiences and lessons aimed at helping Belize develop strategies to attract and retain more women.

The discussion comes as Belize transitions toward more energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling technologies under the Kigali Amendment and the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). With training programmes, certification requirements and servicing practices evolving, stakeholders said the transition presents an opportunity to ensure women can benefit from emerging green jobs.

As part of that effort, four of the 12 scholarships available under the 2026–2027 TVET RAC Scholarship Programme are reserved for female applicants, with applications closing on September 4, 2026.

Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai said Belize has established itself as a regional leader in the sector. “Belize was the first in the region to pass landmark legislation licensing cooling technicians, and we are proud to keep leading by example,” Mai said.

Recommendations from the consultation will help guide gender targets, retention strategies and future activities under HPMP Stage II and Belize’s Kigali Implementation Plan, as the country works toward building a more inclusive and sustainable cooling sector.

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