Pedrica Saint Jean, Minister for the Status of Women, participated this week in the National Forum on Rural Women, organized by the Confederation of Rural Women's Organizations of Haiti (CONFORH), on the theme : "Rural Women, Pillars of Sustainable Development and Food Security in Haiti".

This event took place in the presence of Marcelin Aubourg, Minister of Agriculture; Roselore Marie Aubourg, President of CONFORH; Yves Marie Édouard, Electoral Advisor; representatives of the Madan Sara Group (RAMSA); and several organizations defending the rights of women farmers.

In her opening address, Minister Saint Jean emphasized that rural women must be at the heart of discussions and actions aimed at building the country's future. "When we talk about security, elections, and economic recovery, we must always ask ourselves : what place do women have in this, and especially what place do rural women have ?" she declared.

Addressing the issue of upcoming elections, the Minister stressed the need to strengthen the political participation of rural women and create the conditions that allow them to fully participate in decision-making processes. "Nou konnen nouvo kad elektoral la mete prensip yon reprezantasyon minimòm 30 pousan pou fanm yo. Men pou nou menm, 30 pousan pa dwe yon plafon; li dwe yon pwen depa."

She also highlighted the fundamental role of rural women in the national economy, noting their daily contributions to agricultural production, product processing, and community food security. She advocated for improved access to resources, financing, training, and means of production to strengthen their economic autonomy and their contribution to the country’s development.

In closing her remarks, Ms. Saint Jean called for greater consideration of the voices and expertise of rural women in decisions affecting the future of communities and the country. "There can be no democracy without rural women," she declared before officially opening the Forum.

IH/ iciHaiti