Haiti’s Minister for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights, Pedrica Saint Jean, delivered a significant address at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on March 10, 2026. Her presentation occurred during the seventieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), the premier global intergovernmental forum dedicated to advancing gender equality and women’s rights worldwide.
Minister Saint Jean participated in the Ministerial Roundtable focused on ‘Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls,’ where she outlined Haiti’s comprehensive approach to gender equality. The minister detailed concrete governmental initiatives, including the implementation of a mandatory 30% quota for female representation in the new government cabinet and the adoption of the groundbreaking 2014-2034 Gender Equality Policy.
Her address highlighted several critical legislative reforms aimed at eliminating systemic discrimination against women and girls. These measures include establishing specialized judicial units specifically designed to handle cases of sexual violence and implementing more inclusive legal frameworks that offer enhanced protection for women’s rights.
In her formally delivered speech, Minister Saint Jean presented a candid assessment of Haiti’s current justice landscape regarding gender equality. She emphasized that accessible, inclusive, and equitable justice serves as a fundamental pillar for achieving genuine gender equality, noting that without such judicial foundations, women’s rights remain vulnerable and inequalities persist.
Concluding with a powerful commitment, the minister reiterated Haiti’s dedication to constructing a truly equitable and accessible justice system. She emphasized that women’s full participation and guaranteed rights are essential prerequisites for building a more just and peaceful society where every woman and girl can exercise her rights, live free from violence, and contribute meaningfully to national development.