The government celebrates International Women's Day: Fils-Aimé sees it as a national priority

The Ministry for the Status of Women and Women's Rights (MCFDF) celebrated, this Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Montana Hotel, International Women's Day, under the theme « Rights, Justice, Action for all Women and Girls ». A ceremony that brought together the highest state authorities, including Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, as well as representatives of the United Nations system in Haiti, the diplomatic corps, and numerous women's and feminist organizations.

Beyond the ceremonial speeches, this commemoration was an opportunity to present concrete progress in the fight for gender equality. The report from the two days of reflection on the implementation of the 2014-2034 Gender Equality Policy and the presentation of the final resolution from the inter-institutional workshop on supporting women survivors of violence demonstrate a desire to move from intentions to actions. These documents, resulting from consultations with the relevant sectors, could constitute an operational roadmap for the years to come.

Yet, a striking paradox ran through the speeches: while official discourses celebrate women's rights, the reality of their political representation remains alarming. Electoral Advisor Yves Marie Edouard delivered an uncompromising assessment, describing the female presence in decision-making bodies as « too weak and fragile », with numbers « at their lowest ». Her call not to « wait for permission » to conquer political space resonates as a challenge issued both to women themselves and to institutions supposed to guarantee their equitable access to power.

The new 2025 electoral law decree, aimed at promoting active political participation of women, could be an important lever. But as Minister Pedrica Saint Jean emphasized, it is through « collective commitment, mobilization, and solidarity » that rights will translate into tangible results in the lives of Haitian women. A position nuanced by the Prime Minister, who was keen to remind that this struggle does not pit men against women, but builds a « more just, more equitable, and inclusive society for all ».

Going further in his advocacy, the head of government delivered a strong statement on the structural role of women in the nation, affirming that « the true strength of Haiti lies not only in its history or its institutions; the true strength of Haiti is its women », citing, among others, the Madan Sara who feed thousands of families, the teachers, the nurses, the mothers, and the young girls who dream of a better future. Before concluding with an uncompromising observation:

« Too many women suffer violence, or see their rights ignored. This is unacceptable. »

The symbolic dimension of the day was not overlooked, with the presentation of plaques of honor to six remarkable women, including Me Darline Moïse and magistrates Maguy Florestal and Gabrielle Domingue. A way to recall, through exceptional figures, that Haitian women are, in the words of the head of government, « at the heart of the Nation », bearing life, transmitting knowledge, and advancing the country through their daily courage. It remains to be seen whether these individual tributes will transform into lasting collective progress.