Monday, November 27, 2023, at the Karibe Convention Center hotel at the initiative of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Sofia Loréus Minister for the Status of Women was at the heart of a round table, held for the women leaders of women's and feminist organizations, women from the political sector, the private business sector and the academic sector, among others.

This round table aimed to reflect on the participation of women in the next electoral contests, their role and their involvement in political parties and civil society.

During these discussions, the Minister and the Head of BINUH pleaded for a massive involvement of women in the political question in Haiti in order to occupy the place that is due to them in society.

In her speech, the head of BINUH, Mrs. Maria Isabel Salvador invited female leaders to get more involved so that a critical mass of women can participate in the next elections with a view to running for decision-making positions. Further, Ms. Salvador stressed that elections for the reestablishment of democratic institutions will not be possible without security conditions being restored in the country.

According to Minister Loréus, eliminating obstacles and creating opportunities for Haitian women requires a coordinated effort on the part of the State, civil society and the international community. Stressing that the time has come to implement common and innovative strategies to counter obstacles to effective participation and work for the success of women in elections.

At the end of these meetings, marked by a very lively debate, recommendations were made to remedy the problem of the participation of women in political affairs and the restoration of the security climate in the country:

Creation of a law on civil society; need for women to get involved in politics and participate massively in the next elections; carrying out an awareness campaign on citizenship education; need for political parties and civil society organizations to collaborate and cooperate; harmonization of actions at the level of women's organizations with a view to strengthening their capacity and constituting an essential force in the country's politics, promotion of education and training for women, are, among others, some of these recommendations.

HL/ HaitiLibre