PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – In a significant move to strengthen democratic processes, Haiti’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) convened a pivotal departmental conference on December 4th, 2025, at the Hotel Montana. The gathering, themed “No Democracy or Elections Without Women: Zero Violence!” (“Pa gen demokrasi ni Eleksyon San Fanm: Zewo Vyolans!”), marks the beginning of a nationwide campaign to empower Haitian women in the political arena and address systemic barriers to their participation.
Minister Pedrica Saint Jean delivered a powerful address, asserting that Haiti’s democratic renewal is inextricably linked to women’s inclusion. “There is no democracy without women,” she declared, framing the conference’s mission to conduct a departmental assessment, document instances of electoral violence, gather local testimonies, mobilize community stakeholders, and develop context-specific solutions.
The Minister highlighted numerous persistent challenges facing women in politics, including intimidation campaigns, physical and psychological threats, digital harassment, and systematic marginalization within political party structures. These obstacles, she noted, not only suppress female representation but fundamentally weaken the nation’s democratic foundations.
International support was evident through UN Women Representative Marie Goretti Ndwayo, who commended Haitian women’s resilience amid political and security crises. She reinforced that women’s political engagement serves as a critical catalyst for national progress.
Electoral Advisor Yves Marie Édouard and Minister Delegate for Electoral and Constitutional Issues Joseph André Gracien Jean both emphasized the necessity of enhancing security measures to create safe environments for women’s political involvement, free from fear of violence or coercion.
The conference featured expert panels delving into themes of political participation and electoral violence, followed by interactive workshops where participants shared experiences and formulated actionable recommendations. This inaugural West Department meeting initiates a series of ten departmental conferences scheduled to conclude on December 10th, culminating in a National General Assembly on women’s political participation in Les Cayes from December 12-14.