On Thursday, October 8, 2026, the Ministry of the Status of Women and Women's Rights (MCFDF) hosted a meeting to revitalize the Gender/West Thematic Working Group for the new 2026–2031 National Action Plan for Gender Equality.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Sandy François, the Ministry’s Director General; Frantzdia Gilles, Chief of Staff; representatives from public institutions; Ministry directors; members of the Minister’s cabinet; and MCFDF officials.

This working meeting aimed to initiate discussions on revising and developing the new 2026–2031 National Action Plan for Gender Equality, while reaffirming the need to strengthen coordination and monitoring mechanisms for actions promoting gender equality.

Ms. Eugénie Libéral, Coordinator of the Studies and Programming Unit, outlined the context of the Gender/West Thematic Working Group, highlighting the key issues and objectives of the meeting.

In her address, Pedrica Saint Jean, the Minister of the Status of Women, reviewed previous discussions regarding gender issues. She emphasized the importance of this initiative, particularly given the difficult context in which women and girls face numerous challenges and require concrete support. She also underscored the role of the Gender Thematic Working Group in strengthening women's participation in national life and promoting the full enjoyment of their rights as individuals and citizens. The proceedings continued with a summary presentation of the Gender Equality Policy by Ms. Viona Guerrier, Director of Gender Promotion and Empowerment.

Hemanex Gonzague Désir then presented a summary of the work accomplished during the meeting held on March 4 and 5, 2026, highlighting in particular the urgent need to revitalize the departmental gender roundtables.

These presentations paved the way for discussions on the new National Gender Equality Action Plan (2026–2031). Participants addressed measures to be implemented, the division of responsibilities, and proposals for monitoring mechanisms essential to the plan's application across various public institutions.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with stakeholders expressing a commitment to reinvigorating dialogue on gender equality and strengthening the integration of the gender perspective into public policies through the new National Action Plan for the 2026–2031 period.

HL/ HaitiLibre