As part of the celebration of the 36th Edition of International Women's Day (March 8), the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) on Sunday published a document in which it affirms that it is "urgent to strengthen temporary special measures to promote the presence of women in all areas of public life in Haiti."

"The link between women's leadership at the political, economic, administrative and community levels, on the one hand, and human development, on the other hand, is clearly established as a lever to accelerate the achievement of the sustainable development objectives of the Nations. United," underlined the BINUH

"The under-representation of women in these fields represents a limitation to the enjoyment of their rights and a significant loss for the Nation" adds the document. Based on this situation, Binuh said, "women's organizations, the Haitian State and progressive entities are carrying out various actions to combat political and electoral violence directed against women, to promote a better understanding of the importance of female leadership, and for women to work in politics.

[...] Haitian women also continue to be agents of change as the country faces a political and security crisis, and they are among the victims of kidnappings by organized criminal gangs," declared the unusien office.

"However, women remain firmly committed to building an egalitarian, secure and peaceful Haitian society [...]

"Haiti has made significant progress in promoting women's leadership, although there are still many systemic, institutional, cultural, behavioral and financial obstacles", notes the UN body which considers that the results are "quite disparate" in terms of integrating women into Haiti's political and administrative circuits.

For BINUH, this new celebration of International Women's Day, "represents an opportunity to deepen reflection and revitalize dialogue to better promote women's leadership for an equal future."

HL/ HaïtiLibre