The reporting of sexual violence to the police in Haiti remains a very difficult and convoluted process. Thus, it contributes to countless cases being under-reported. The Overseas Security Advisory Council indicate that sexual crimes in Haiti have become a major problem and crime statistics are woefully under documented by the Haitian National Police.
By New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito
The future of our City depends on the success of young people today. But instead of being able to focus on their aspirations, many girls and women, particularly those of color, are battling challenges rooted in gender, sex and race discrimination. Poverty, sexual violence and poor health outcomes stand squarely in the way of their success. For young women from immigrant families, these challenges are complicated by immigration status and language barriers. This has to change.
By Vania Andre
Twenty-eight year old Vionise Fortuna used to make her living selling paper napkins and plastic cups to merchants near the Haitian-Dominican border. With little training and skills on hand to leverage, finding a secure job, in a male-dominated country with high rates of unemployment seemed impossible. However, one day her luck would change after being recommended to a program for vocational training for women in Haiti.
By Beverly Bell
In Haiti, the majority of the people working the land are women. Not only are they there during planting, weeding and harvesting, but they also play a role in transforming and marketing food products. They’re involved in the entire agricultural production process. This is why we call women the poto mitan, central pillar, of the country.
New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito joined The Haitian Times through a conference call earlier this month to talk about the launching of the Young Women’s Initiative (YWI)—a group she says will counter racial and gender inequality for women and girls, between the ages of 14 through 24.
Although the Initiative is looking at young women in general, Mark-Viverito, who is co-chairs the coalition, is aware of the common disparities girls and young women of color face. She admits they are “recognizing a problem” and are focusing on issues that have not been looked at “deeply.”
By Vania Andre
March is Women’s History Month. Take a look at these six Haitian-American women who are sure to earn their place in history for their work in the Haitian community and in their respective fields.