Haiti inaugurates second Women’s House for survivors of violence

^{Group photo of government officials and representatives attending the inauguration ceremony. Photo: Courtesy of Haiti’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights (MCFDF).} 

In this context, on 1 July 2026, Haiti’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) inaugurated the Women’s House of Grand’Anse in Jérémie. The new facility strengthens reception, referral, protection and support services for women and girl survivors of violence in the department.

This follows the official launch, on 22 May 2026, of the Ministry’s network of four Women’s Houses by the Prime Minister, with the opening of the first facility in the West Department. The Women’s Houses in Artibonite and Centre will be inaugurated at a later stage.

Women and girl survivors of violence in Jérémie can now access comprehensive services, including information and referral, case management, protection and empowerment support, in a safe environment tailored to their needs. The Women’s House of Grand’Anse also received partial equipment support through a partnership between the Government of Japan, UN Women and the MCFDF.

^{Sophie Havyarimana, Deputy Resident Representative of UN Women in Haiti, during the inauguration ceremony. Photo: Courtesy of Haiti’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights (MCFDF).} 

During the inauguration ceremony, Sophie Havyarimana, Deputy Resident Representative of UN Women in Haiti, underscored the urgency of collective action to end violence against women and girls.

“Violence against women and girls must end,” she said. 

^{Sophie Havyarimana, Deputy Resident Representative of UN Women in Haiti, during the inauguration ceremony. Photo: Courtesy of Haiti’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights (MCFDF).} 

Echoing the message delivered by the United Nations Secretary-General during his visit to Haiti, she called for the mobilization of all stakeholders, including public and private institutions, civil society, the private sector, United Nations entities, community organizations, local authorities and the media, to contribute to preventing violence, protecting survivors, encouraging reporting and ensuring access to support services. She concluded by calling for collective responsibility to break the silence.

The ceremony also provided an opportunity for the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights to reaffirm its commitment to protecting women and girls affected by violence.

^{Pédrica St-Jean, Haiti’s Minister of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights (MCFDF), addresses participants during the inauguration ceremony. Photo: Courtesy of Haiti’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights (MCFDF).} 

The Minister of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights, Pédrica St-Jean, stated:

“Protecting women means protecting the future of the country.”

She also emphasized the importance of building a State capable of guaranteeing women a dignified, safe and inclusive environment.

For her part, Marie Kerling Gaspard, the MCFDF Departmental Director for Grand’Anse, noted that the initiative demonstrates the State’s strong commitment to women in the region, who now have access to a dedicated space where they can receive essential protection, care and support services. 

^{A tour of the Women’s House, which received equipment support from UN Women through a project funded by the Government of Japan. Photo: Courtesy of Haiti’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights (MCFDF).} 

The inauguration ceremony brought together senior Haitian government officials, departmental authorities, representatives of the United Nations system, including Resident Coordinator Marie Nicole Kouassi, as well as representatives of civil society organizations and local media.

The inauguration marks another milestone in the rollout of the four Women’s Houses announced by the Prime Minister and the MCFDF on 22 May 2026. Following the opening of the facilities in the West and Grand’Anse departments, the Women’s Houses in Artibonite and Centre are expected to open in the coming months.

By supporting the strengthening of equipment for these spaces dedicated to the protection and recovery of women and girl survivors of violence, UN Women reaffirms its commitment to supporting national efforts to expand access to essential services, including comprehensive care, psychosocial support and access to justice for survivors in Haiti.