The celebration of the International Women's Day was held on March 6, 2026, in Port-au-Prince, under the national theme, “Women and girls must fully enjoy their rights and access justice without obstacles or discrimination."
The ceremony took place in the presence of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, the Minister of Women's Rights, Pédrica Saint-Jean, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UN Women Representative in Haiti, Marie Goretti Nduwayo, as well as Representatives of the diplomatic corps, civil society nd women's organizations.
The Special Representative Carlos Ruiz Massieu commended the close collaboration between the United Nations and the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights, as well as the initiatives undertaken to strengthen women’s political participation and advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Haiti.
He noted that despite the progress made, women and girls continue to face numerous obstacles to fully exercising their rights and accessing justice, particularly in a context marked by violence and insecurity.
“Equality between women and men is not just a matter of rights. It is also an essential condition for peace, stability, and development in Haiti,” the Special Representative stated.
The Head of BINUH also emphasized the importance of ensuring the full participation of women in political processes, both as citizens and as candidates. He reiterated that the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) continues to promote the inclusion of women in political processes and to advocate for compliance with the constitutional quota of 30% women at all levels.
Carlos Ruiz Massieu also welcomed the nomination of five women among the eighteen members of the new government, describing it as an encouraging step toward increased participation of women in public life, while noting that further efforts are needed to achieve the level of representation stipulated by the Constitution.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé reaffirmed that the protection of women and girls is a national priority. He emphasized the essential contribution of Haitian women to society and reiterated his government's commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at promoting their empowerment and participation in public life.
The Minister for the Status of Women and Women's Rights, Pédrica Saint-Jean, highlighted the Ministry's efforts to strengthen mechanisms for the protection of women and girls who are victims of violence, improve access to legal assistance, and promote greater participation of women in decision-making bodies.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to present the results of two days of reflection dedicated to the implementation of the 2014-2034 Gender Equality Policy, as well as the final resolution of an inter-institutional workshop aimed at strengthening the coordination of multidisciplinary care for women and girls who are survivors of violence.
Several women involved in various sectors of Haitian society were honored for their outstanding contributions to the promotion of women's rights.
BINUH reaffirmed its commitment to continue working alongside Haitian authorities, civil society organizations, and other partners to promote gender equality and strengthen women's participation in public life in Haiti.
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