It is with tremendous sadness that UNIFEM learnt about the deaths of several women leaders from governmental and civil society organisations in Haiti. Among these include Myriam Merlet, who was the Chief of Cabinet of the Ministry of Womens Condition and Rights and founder of CONAP, the umbrella womens organization; Myrna Narcisse, the Director General of the Ministry of Womens Condition, Magalie Marcelin, the founder of KayFamn which operates the only shelter for victims of gender-based violence and Anne-Marie Coriolon founding member of one of Haiti's largest women's groups, Solidarite Fanm Ayisyèn (SOFA).
These women had a long history of service and commitment to human rights, gender and social justice. Their lives exemplified the character traits of courage, fortitude and optimism. None of them was faint of heart nor easily discouraged by the magnitude of the socio-economic challenges which Haiti confronts.
UNIFEM honours all those women, men and children who lost their lives in the earthquake and the Caribbean office along with its Headquarters pledges its long term commitment to the task of rebuilding, to supporting in very practical ways the struggles of the Haitian peoples in this extraordinarily difficult time.
We join Haitians in the knowledge that sustained work undertaken with optimism and good faith is the pathway to the realization of the vision of Haiti characterized by development, equity and peace for all.
Roberta Clarke Regional Programme Director UNIFEM Caribbean Office
