The United Women’s Group (UWG) is the women’s arm of the People’s United Party (PUP). It was established in February 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 Lizarraga began recruiting in the districts, and branches were founded in Stann Creek and Cayo (both in San Ignacio and half dozen villages) where groups of PUP women had been mobilized 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. It formed its branch in May 1960.
Gwen Lizarraga was a great woman of this country who always thought of the poor and needy. 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.
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.