On Thursday, December 4th, 2025, the Ministry of Women's Affairs and Women's Rights (MCFDF) organized, at the Hotel Montana, the West 1 departmental conference on women's political participation and electoral violence under the theme : "Pa gen demokrasi ni Eleksyon San Fanm : Zewo Vyolans !" This initiative aims to provide Haitian women with clear and essential information on the importance of their involvement in political life as well as on the different forms of violence that can hinder their career.

In her intervention Pedrica Saint Jean, Minister for the Status of Women and Women's Rights, stressed that the current democratic refoundation cannot be done without women affirming "Pa gen demokrasi san fanm". Furthermore, the Minister outlined the objectives of the meeting which consist of drawing up a departmental diagnosis, documenting electoral violence, collecting local experiences, mobilizing community stakeholders and building solutions adapted to the realities of the department.

Minister Saint Jean emphasized the persistent obstacles : intimidation, threats, physical, psychological and digital violence, marginalization in political parties which compromise the political participation of women and weaken democracy.

She concluded by calling on participants to collective mobilization : "Every word spoken, every idea shared, every commitment recorded here must be carried like a stone to the national building."

Marie Goretti Ndwayo, the Representative of UN Women, praised the resilience and determination of Haitian women who, despite political and security obstacles, continue to fight to advance their representation in decision-making spaces. She recalled that the political participation of women constitutes an essential lever for the country.

Yves Marie Édouard, the Electoral Advisor, stressed the importance of an increased female presence in decision-making spaces, while Joseph André Gracien Jean, the Minister Delegate for Electoral and Constitutional Issues, insisted on the need to improve the security environment in order to allow women to participate freely in the political process without fear of violence or intimidation.

Later in the day, a panel was set up to develop the various themes linked to the political participation of women and electoral violence. These discussions were followed by a workshop which allowed participants to explore the themes in greater depth, discuss their experiences, make recommendations and propose suitable courses of action.

Should be noted that these departmental meetings will continue across the 9 other departments of the country until December 10, two days before the General Assembly on women's political participation and electoral violence is held in the city of Les Cayes from December 12 to 14.

HL/ HaitiLibre