General News
The Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID) is gravely concerned by the tremendous losses and ongoing humanitarian crisis in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti on 12th January 2010.
We stand in solidarity with all the women, men and children of Haiti during this difficult time. In particular, we send a message of solidarity to the women of Haiti, who for generations have contributed to upholding the struggle for freedom and democracy, and who continue to struggle for survival in the face of this unprecedented crisis. AWID is deeply saddened by the loss of feminist colleagues who perished in the earthquake, including Myriam Merlet, Anne Marie Coriolan and Magalie Marceline, three key leaders of the Haitian feminist movement. Our thoughts are with their families and friends and with all our colleagues from feminist movements who are mourning them.
In the weeks since the earthquake struck, AWID has witnessed with deep admiration the solidarity of womenโs rights activists throughout the Latin American and Caribbean region and other parts of the world. From the provision of urgent medical aid and reproductive healthcare to the mobilization of resources and documentation of human rights abuses, womenโs organizations have been playing a key role in responding to the crisis. AWID, along with our members and partners, has contributed to this crucial effort through mobilizing resources and information provision in different languages.
Whilst the earthquake has had a devastating impact on everyone in Haiti, women are particularly affected. Due to the gender norms that marginalize them, women and girls are more likely to fall through the gaps of emergency relief and reconstruction processes. They are often denied access to the provision of food relief and reproductive health services, while female headed households, pregnant women and those with infants are particularly at risk. In post-disaster situations women also face an increased threat of violence, including sexual violence. The safeguarding of womenโs rights to health, nutrition, safety and dignity must be central to the ongoing relief efforts.
Despite these challenges, women have a vital role to play in the reconstruction of Haiti. Women hold valuable skills and knowledge on community mobilisation, coping strategies and local resources. In their roles as economic actors, as caregivers and as leaders, they are essential to rebuilding a just and inclusive Haiti. As supporters and facilitators of Haitian womenโs participation in the reconstruction process, Haitian womenโs organizations must also be central actors to efforts on the ground.
AWID therefore calls upon the government of Haiti and the international community to take immediate action to ensure the wellbeing of women and girls through the provision of both emergency relief and significant longer-term support for reconstruction and development that responds to the gender specific needs and circumstances of Haitian women and girls. In particular, we call for the full participation of women at all levels of reconstruction and for sustained efforts to be centered on the long term development needs of women and girls.
Additional Information
Country: Haiti
Website: http://awid.org/eng/Women-in-Action/Announcements2/AWID-Statement-on-the-Post-Earthquake-Humanitarian-Crisis-in-Haiti-January-2010
Email: N/A
Phone: N/A
Contact Person: N/A
Source: Mail from: AWID
When: 15/2/2010
