Haiti's Women's Ministry Pushes for Greater Female Participation in Elections

The Ministry for the Status of Women (MCFDF) organized an awareness and mobilization meeting focused on women's involvement in public life and the electoral process, according to icihaiti.com. The gathering brought together Director General Sandy François, Chief of Staff Frantzdia Gilles, Cabinet members, ministry directors, and representatives of women's and feminist organizations, civil society and religious groups.

François said women's involvement in public life is fundamentally a matter of rights and democracy, arguing that a true democracy cannot be built without women's presence in decision-making bodies. She urged women to move from participation and leadership representation toward the effective exercise of power.

Minister for the Status of Women Pedrica Saint Jean called for greater involvement of women in public affairs, saying the country needs women able to put forward proposals and defend the collective interest. She cited recent consultations with political parties aimed at improving how women are considered in candidate selection, and welcomed a Council of Ministers decision adopted October 5, 2026 providing a 50% reduction in registration fees for eligible female candidates.

Participants heard a presentation by Mosler Georges on electoral decree provisions favorable to women, and one by Edelyne Vertus on support mechanisms. The workshop concluded with recommendations and action plans.