Port-au-Prince, March 9, 2023 --- Maudeline Dorival is the winner of the "Sing Mom" contest. Her prize was awarded by the Ministry of Women's Affairs and Women's Rights (MCFDF) on the occasion of the commemoration of International Women's Day.

The theme chosen by the United Nations for this day is: "For a digital and inclusive world, innovation and technologies for gender equality".  

"It is an honor for me as a young mother to have won this competition," said Dorival.

Another winner, also a mother, felt the same way. This award means a lot to me," said Emilia Zamor.

Several other people were honored by the MCFDF, including "Madan Sara". Socially stigmatized, these women vendors play an important role in Haitian society. The island's economy relies heavily on their daily activities.

MCFDF commemorated International Women's Day in conjunction with the United Nations system in Haiti and in the presence of the Prime Minister and several members of his government.

UNFPA was among the organizations honored by the MCFDF. Qualities noted: Committed servant and advocate for an equitable life.

Students marched through the room, chanting messages in favor of women: justice, inclusion for people living with disabilities, implementation of Article 17 of the constitution, education, access to digital technology, access to credit, response to gender-based violence.

Article 17 states: "Haitians, without distinction of sex or civil status, who have reached the age of eighteen (18), may exercise their civil and political rights, if they meet the other conditions provided for by the constitution and the law.

We must invest in women to build a more inclusive society," said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (UNIHRO). International Women's Day must be a turning point to take action and leave no one behind in Haiti," added Helen Meagher La Lime.

We must commit ourselves to gender equality, said the Minister for Women's Affairs and Women's Rights, recalling the adoption by Haiti of the policy document on gender equality.

Sofia Loréus praised the ongoing struggle of women's organizations for gender equality.

Prime Minister Ariel Henri was pleased to attend the ceremony to commemorate International Women's Day. We must together pay a deserved tribute to our sisters, to our mothers, to our wives, to our friends, to the Haitian women, he said.

Several young people, including people living with disabilities, showed their talent in music, song, poetry and theater on the occasion of this day.

The Head of Cooperation of the European Union in Haiti, Ricard Bardia, emphasized his support to the government for the implementation of a non-sexist education, access for women and men through the Spotlight initiative.

This is a multi-year global partnership between the European Union and the United Nations that aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030.

The Spotlight initiative in Haiti focuses on ending domestic violence, rape, incest, sexual harassment, physical and psychological abuse and other restrictions on the freedoms and rights of women and girls. It also aims to provide holistic care to women and girls who have survived violence.

The Spotlight Initiative in Haiti is implemented by four UN agencies, namely UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women and UNDP, in partnership with the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation, the Ministry of Women's Affairs and Women's Rights and numerous civil society organizations. It will benefit more than 1,225,000 women, men, girls and boys in four departments, including the West, Grand'Anse, South and Northeast.

In Haiti, more than one women out of three  report having experienced violence by their partner or husband. Nearly 30 percent of women of childbearing age have experienced physical violence - 45 percent from their intimate partner. Thirty-four percent of women in couple are survivors of domestic violence, and in 37 percent of cases, the violence resulted in serious injury. Twelve percent of Haitian women have experienced sexual violence, a quarter of whom are girls between the ages of 15 and 17. In addition, 31 percent of women also experience or are exposed to several types of violence and controlling behaviors, including excessive jealousy, limited contact with the outside world or family, and strict control of movement.

The United Nations formalized International Women's Day on March 8 in 1977, encouraging countries around the world to celebrate women's rights. However, this day has its origins in the history of workers' struggles and women's protests at the turn of the 20th century in North America and Europe.

Text and photos: Vario Sérant

Translated by : Michael Johnson Leger