UNFPA organized, together with the Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of People with Disabilities (BSEIPH), a training workshop on gender-based violence in sign language for People's Organizations Disabled. This training specifically targeted organizations of deaf and hard of hearing people in Port-au-Prince on September 28 and 29, 2023.

The aim was to raise awareness and involve the stakeholders concerned in the fight against different types of violence. Sexual and Reproductive Health, Family Planning and the culture of deaf people were at the center of these two days of training. Participants recounted their daily experiences as disabled.

This training followed the increase in armed violence by gangs in several parts of the country, particularly in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince and in the Artibonite department. Many women and girls are survivors of sexual violence.

Mirlaine Georges confided that this training allowed her to better understand the culture of deaf people. It has strengthened her confidence and will help her to better defend her rights, she stressed.

Renise Rendel was concerned about the extent of the medical needs of disabled women. She deplored the lack of infrastructure which prevents her from communicating adequately with health personnel.

Around twenty organizations of disabled people participated in this workshop.

Text: Roody Beauchamp, Communications Intern

Reviewed by V.S.