Laurent Saint-Cyr, an advisor to Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), has urged greater inclusion of women in decision-making roles, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the country’s socio-economic future.
Speaking at the first Women Leadership Forum over the weekend, Saint-Cyr stressed the importance of inclusive governance, stating that Haiti must go beyond symbolic quotas and ensure that women are fully integrated into leadership at all levels.
“The representation of women in decision-making bodies must not be limited to a number, to a quota of 30 percent,” Saint-Cyr said. “Our goal must be to give every woman the opportunity to take an active part in the conduct of our country’s affairs. Haiti needs the quality and diversity of their talents, the wealth of their skills, their expertise, and their vision.”
As Haiti moves toward its long-awaited general elections, Saint-Cyr called on women to be key players in the democratic process—as voters, candidates, observers, and leaders.
“Haiti needs all its human resources to build its future, and women are a fundamental pillar,” he emphasized. “Women’s leadership is not a secondary issue; it is essential to the progress of our nation. I call on every woman to dare, to assert herself, and to get fully involved.”
Encouraging women in leadership
Saint-Cyr also paid tribute to Haitian women in public service, acknowledging their contributions in laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Minister for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights, Pedrica Saint Jean, also addressed the forum, commending the initiative for creating a critical mass of women capable of taking on leadership roles traditionally reserved for men.
“The forum is of significant importance because it allows us to identify a solid alternative for women’s participation in all spheres of decision-making in the Republic,” she said.
Winnie Hugot Gabriel, president of Parcours d’Exception, emphasized that placing women in decision-making spaces should not be seen as an option but a necessity.
“Female leadership is not an option but an imperative—a dynamic to propel Haitian women much further,” she said.
The Women Leadership Forum was organized in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-Haiti) under the theme: “Women’s Leadership: A Pillar of Inclusive Governance and Sustainable Development in Haiti.” It brought together women leaders, experts, government officials, and members of the international community to discuss strategies for increasing female participation in governance.
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