Port-au-Prince, Monday, May 15, 2006

I am so happy that we have this opportunity to talk. I believe that women have so much to teach. Because it was by participating in movements to fight violence against women in Quebec, Canada, that I learned so much. It was there that my view of society changed.

I realized the extent to which we, women, through our condition and experiences, have a unique way of seeing the world.

The realities of women in Haiti reflect those of the entire country. Injustices, inequalities, those who have and those who have not, those at the top and those forever at the very bottom. Those whose efforts are not recognized and who count not at all.

I am delighted to see in this room women from all backgrounds and walks of life. From the capital as from the provinces. Academics and farmers. But each and every one organized, structured, drawing strength from many experiences, courageous and determined. I congratulate you for this openness, which I see as a sign of hope. A hope that rests on your combined strengths, you the courageous women who carry this country on your shoulders.

In my life, I have had two extraordinary role models: my grandmother and my mother. My grandmother, who raised five children on her own, bent over a sewing machine morning, noon and night, and who, with what little money she earned selling handmade clothing along the side of the road, managed to educate her sons and her daughters.

My mother also raised her two children on her own. Both women took great pride in their financial independence. They taught me that recognition of women’s rights depended on the recognition of their economic rights.

They taught me never to accept that women should be excluded from society, that they should live in fear or isolation, subject to humiliation and uncensured violence.

To break free of that situation, their best lifeline is financial independence, which always gives the freedom to choose. I applaud the work that you are doing to help women in this country reach that level of independence. In so doing, you are helping all of Haiti.

Canada stands by the principle of equality for women. And we are working with you on a number of projects that will improve the lives of women in Haiti and support their efforts in the regions, the capital, in small communities and large cities. May our combined efforts give you a louder voice in every facet of Haitian society.

Haiti’s future depends on women—we all know this. Haiti’s economic health depends on them. Every injustice against the women of any given country takes away from that country’s worth. You have a chance to put forth a model of inclusion that transcends all divisions and mobilizes this country’s greatest strengths to rebuild Haiti. It’s what we’ve been hoping for for so long.

Women of Haiti, I salute you and feel the deepest affection and hope for you. I am your sister by birth and will ever be your ally.