On Monday March 8, celebration of International Women's Rights Day Lesly Condé Ex-Consul General of Haiti in Chicago (August 2004 - May 2018), delivered a traditional message of reflections that we invite you to read and share.

Message from Lesly Condé :

"Dear compatriots and friends everywhere,

In 1977, the United Nations designated the eighth day of March as 'International Women's Day'. We all know that the woman deserves to be honored at all times because all the roles that she has played since the beginning of humanity, make her an incomparable, irreplaceable being, worthy of respect and protection.

Indeed, we often consider the woman as a fragile being, vulnerable as well from the physical point of view as from the psychological point of view. We are right to think that it absolutely must be protected by society. However, when one considers the attributions, the duties and the obligations which return only to her since the dawn of time, one discovers that there exists in her an unusual fortitude which places her well above the man. Even when she is the mother of mankind and the ultimate guarantor of her survival, she behaves with such stoicism and detachment that she is seen as the weaker sex.

As for the Haitian woman, I am one of those who think that she deserves a very special consideration and respect. She represents in the eyes of all who know her, an example of self-sufficiency. She is a caring mother, nurse, accountant, diplomat and more. Our society has always relied on its resilience, courage, optimism and imagination. She's the one who taught us not to be afraid to excel, to always aim high, and never to be discouraged.

In closing, I wish you all an excellent 'International Women's Day'. An environment where women flourish is an environment where life is good.

Thank you for your attention !

Lesly Condé"

IH/ iciHaiti