Tuesday, in the framework of the "International Women of Courage", initiated by the U.S. Department of State, to recognize the initiatives and actions undertaken by women around the world, who play a big role in their society the 'U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, Pamela White, presented during a ceremony in the premises of the Embassy of the United States in Tabarre the award "Woman of Courage Haiti 2013" to the Deputy Marie Jossie Étienne (Milot) also President of the Commission of Social Affairs and Women's Rights, for her role in the struggle for decentralization and for the active participation of women in policy in Haiti.

Mrs. Étienne in Parliament, struggling for the passage of a considerable number of laws, including the law that requirement fathers to assume their responsibility for their children and a law in favor of a minimum wage increase. She was the strongest advocate of historic vote of Parliament to pass a constitutional amendment requiring a 30% quota of women at all levels of government and the public service.

In her speech, Ambassador White told the audience "I invited you to stimulate you more, and for through you, the women of Haiti, we can follow the example of Mrs. Étienne. I did it, so that more women are involved in politics, so that more women of courage, stand up and run Haiti, for more women brave undertake to build a better future for Haiti."

For her part, the Deputy Étienne declared : "This award granted to me today, fills me with joy, determination and reassurance to continue pleading the cause of women. This award is beyond my personal merits. Also, it is the expression of a special consideration, the projection of a different image and the exceptional dimension of all women who believe in the change of the country."

For three years, the Embassy of the United States awards the "Woman of Courage" to Haitian women who are committed to struggle for a more equitable society and for a Haiti more democratic and just. Adwards "Woman of Courage Haiti 2011" and "Woman of Courage Haiti 2012" were respectively awarded to Mrs. Florence Élie, Head of the Office of Citizen Protection and Yolène Marie Gilles, Head of Programmes at National Network Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH).

HL/ HaitiLibre