On Wednesday, July 1st, 2026, Pedrica Saint Jean, Minister for the Status of Women and Women's Rights (MCFDF), inaugurated the Women's Center in the Grand'Anse department, a facility designed to strengthen support for women and girls who are victims of violence, while also promoting their journey toward lasting independence.

Reverend Father Edner Mars led the blessing of the Women's Center. The ceremony continued with the traditional ribbon-cutting, symbolizing the opening of this space dedicated to the protection, support, and empowerment of women and girls.

This ceremony took place in the presence of numerous dignitaries, including Onel Jacinthe, Mayor of Jérémie; Jean Marie Alexandre Geatjens, Government Commissioner to the Court of First Instance of Jérémie; Sophie Havyarimana, Deputy Representative of UN Women in Haiti; Wilbert Chéry, Vice-Delegate of Jérémie; Kerling Gaspard Saint Juste, Departmental Director for Grand'Anse of the Ministry of Women, Family and Women's Rights (MCFDF); as well as officials from the Ministry, representatives of decentralized public institutions, and civil society organizations, particularly women's organizations.

Onel Jacinthe reaffirmed the municipality's full commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at assisting women and girls who are victims of violence. He also called for civic engagement, urging the population to collaborate closely with the Ministry and all institutions involved in victim support to strengthen the fight against this scourge.

The Government Commissioner of Jérémie, Jean Marie Alexandre Gaetjens, reported a worrying increase in cases of violence registered with the Public Prosecutor's Office. He firmly reiterated that sexual violence cannot be considered mere isolated incidents, but constitutes a criminal offense that demands an exemplary judicial response. "There is no room for impunity. Every complaint brought before the courts will be examined with all the rigor required by law." He emphasized that no social, familial, or political influence can obstruct the application of the law. He also urged victims, their families, and the entire population to break the code of silence by systematically reporting perpetrators of violence.

For her part, UN Women Deputy Representative Havyarimana welcomed the Haitian government's commitment to opening the first Women's Center in the Grand'Anse department, which she described as a major step forward in strengthening mechanisms for the protection and support of victims of violence.

According to her, violence against women and girls remains an unacceptable violation of human rights and can only be effectively combated through collective mobilization and concerted action by all institutional, community, and international actors.

"We have a duty to break the silence. It is unacceptable to tolerate violence against women and girls. Together, we must put an end to this phenomenon so that every woman and girl can live in a safe, dignified environment free from all forms of violence."

The Deputy Delegate of Jérémie, Wilbert Chéry, emphasized that combating violence against women and girls is a constant imperative for preserving social cohesion and fostering the country's sustainable development. He stated that no nation can aspire to progress when the majority of its population is deprived of its fundamental rights. He reaffirmed the need for sustained mobilization from public authorities and all sectors of society to guarantee women and girls effective protection, the full exercise of their rights, and equitable participation in national development.

In her address, Minister Pedrica Saint Jean recalled that the establishment of this Women's Center is part of an ambitious national vision aimed at building a more protective, attentive, and committed state for women's rights. "The establishment of the Women's Center in Grand'Anse is part of a clear national vision: that of a state that protects, listens, and acts. It is based on fundamental principles : equality, social justice, security, solidarity, and the empowerment of women." She highlighted the symbolic and practical significance of this new institution : "The Women's Center that we are inaugurating today is a space of dignity, listening, and rebuilding," specifying that it is a place where every woman who is a victim of violence will be welcomed with respect, listened to without judgment, accompanied unconditionally, and supported at every stage of her recovery process. "This Center will offer multidisciplinary care: medical, psychological, social, and legal. It will also facilitate access to justice, because no violence should go unpunished. It will also be a space for prevention, awareness-raising, and social transformation."

Closing on a hopeful note, the Minister recalled that this achievement marks the beginning of a renewed commitment by the State to Haitian women : "The Women’s Center of Grand'Anse is not an end. It is the beginning of a new pact between the State and the women of Haiti : a pact of protection, justice, and dignity."

HL/ S/ HaitiLibre