At a press conference this week, Ms. Pedrica Saint Jean, Minister for the Status of Women and Women's Rights (MCFDF), praised the Steering Committee for taking into consideration her Ministry's recommendations regarding gender parity in the draft document for the new Constitution. Article 16 clearly enshrines the principle of gender equality, establishing a solid and unambiguous legal framework to protect women's rights.

She also recalled Haiti's commitment to the global movement for gender equality and its ratification of several international conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention of Belém do Pará (Brazil) for Protection against Violence against Women.

"Today, equality between women and men remains a central issue for the country," stated the Minister, announcing the establishment of a monitoring committee to ensure the implementation of gender parity in accordance with Article 16 of the new Constitution.

The Minister concluded the press conference by emphasizing that no lasting change can be achieved without the active participation of women. According to her, the goal is to build a society based on social justice, where gender equality becomes a pillar of national development.

Joseph André Gracien Jean, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Electoral and Constitutional Affairs, commends the courage and determination of feminist activist Minister Saint Jean for her contribution to ensuring gender parity is included in Haiti's draft new Constitution.

"[...] I salute your courage and, above all, your determination in this fight for the emancipation of Haitian girls, young women, and young women. Thus, through your tenacity, you were able to seize the opportunity this transition offers to all vital sectors of the nation by securing gender parity in the Draft Constitution. This is a major advance that will be remembered in the history of national and global feminist movements.

This is a significant step forward, certainly, but much remains to be done, because the emancipation of marginalized social groups is a constant struggle filled with ups and downs [...]"

HL/ S/ HaitiLibre