Port-au-Prince, March 4, 2026 --- The Minister of the Status of Women and Women's Rights, Ms. Pedrica Saint Jean, launched in Haiti, on March 4, 2026, a two-day multi-sectoral workshop dedicated to the revision of the National Plan for Equality between Women and Men adopted in 2014.

"The goal is to strengthen the coherence and effectiveness of our interventions, to identify the necessary adjustments and to prepare together the next phase of the National Plan so that it produces tangible and sustainable results for all women and girls in Haiti," the minister said.

Through this strategic document, Haiti has committed to placing gender equality at the heart of public policies and to creating the conditions enabling women to fully exercise their rights and contribute equally to the political, economic, social, cultural and environmental development of the country.

Several advances

Minister Saint Jean highlighted several advances:

- A gender perspective has been progressively integrated into public policies.

- National awareness campaigns have helped to change attitudes.

- Social protection programs have strengthened support for vulnerable women.

- Initiatives have been implemented to promote girls' reproductive health and education.

- The presence of women in certain decision-making bodies has increased, demonstrating an encouraging trend in female leadership.

Challenges

The minister nevertheless emphasized the persistence of inequalities, gender-based violence, the disproportionate economic insecurity faced by women, and the “socio-political, security, and environmental crises that have exacerbated certain vulnerabilities.” “These challenges require us to strengthen our actions and adapt our strategies,” stated Ms. Saint Jean.Des progrès conjoints

"Until 2025 and 2026, the joint efforts of UNFPA, the Ministry of Public Health and Population and the Ministry of the Status of Women and Women's Rights have enabled concrete progress," said UNFPA Representative in Haiti, Mr. Samir Anouti.  

Reproductive and Maternal Health

Regarding reproductive and maternal health:

• Essential sexual, reproductive, and maternal health supplies are made available annually in all 10 departments of the country (amounting to US$2 million per year).

• As of December 31, 2025, 32 health facilities were providing and continued to provide integrated maternal and reproductive health services with UNFPA support.

• Expanding access to modern contraceptives nationwide has significantly reduced unmet needs for family planning.

• 417 health professionals, including midwives, have been trained in emergency obstetric care and the clinical management of victims of gender-based violence.

Every investment in reproductive health saves lives, empowers women, and improves their well-being. These interventions are even more crucial given that maternal mortality in Haiti remains among the highest in the region. 

As part of the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), UNFPA, as co-responsible for the GBV sub-sector and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Women's Affairs and Women's Rights, has strengthened inter-sectoral coordination mechanisms to better support victims and prevent violence, Mr. Anouti added.

In 2025:

• 8,093 cases of gender-based violence were reported by essential service providers, a 25% increase compared to 2024. This monthly fluctuation in the number of cases is primarily due to challenges in humanitarian access and funding disruptions.

• Six safe spaces for women and girls experiencing gender-based violence were established in the most affected areas.

• Thousands of victims received multi-sectoral support: medical, psychological, socio-economic, and legal.

In 2025, UNFPA, in partnership with the MCFDF, launched, through the LIFHER network, a training program for 200 women leaders to promote the right to health, with the aim of strengthening women’s participation in decision-making bodies and fostering transformative female leadership. 

However, several structural obstacles continue to hinder the achievement of the goals set by the Global Framework for Action on Women and Health (GPHW) 2014–2034, including:

Persistent insecurity limits access to essential services and continually increases humanitarian needs.

• Chronic underfunding of gender equality programs.

• Discriminatory social norms hinder women's empowerment.

Alignment

The National Plan for Gender Equality 2014-2034 is fully aligned with Haiti’s international commitments, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. It is a key pillar for ensuring equal rights, opportunities, and participation for women and men in Haiti.

Since its adoption, six clear strategic directions have guided public action on gender equality in Haiti. In accordance with its mandate, UNFPA has aligned itself with two of these six strategic directions and is firmly committed to supporting the Haitian government in combating inequality and violence against women, as well as in improving women’s access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, with respect for their dignity.

Photos : Vario Sérant