Today, Friday, March 8, the world celebrates the 102nd anniversary of the "International Day of Woman". Its many events already announced, Haiti, Atlanta, France, to Montreal, where Haitian women will be honored.
Atlanta "Woman and Society" :
The Consulate General of Haiti in Atlanta informs the Haitian community and the general public, that it organizes on the occasion of "International Women's Day", a day of reflection and of training on the theme "Women and society "Saturday, March 9, 2013, from 10:00 am at the Springhill Suites, Marriott, located #3459 Buckhead Loop N.E Atlanta GA 30326. This day will be moderated by Ms. Michèle Toledo Cainas Director of Program "Georgia Latin Against Domestic Violence" (GLADV), designed for the women of pastors in the Haitian community of Atlanta, most of the time witnesses and confidantes of problems faced by the members of our society, which will constitute and will animate groups of reflections within their respective assemblies. The Consulate General of Haiti in Atlanta, wish a happy feast to all Haitian women, particularly those of the community of Georgia and State under its jurisdiction.
Haiti, tribute to 8 Haitian women :
Friday, March 8, 2013 from 7 pm to 9 pm in Room Franck of the Hotel Montana, the Ministry of Culture, took advantage of the "International Women's Day" to honor posthumously, 8 women writers whose names already appear in the great book of history. They are immortal by their remarkable writings published and unpublished, which have contributed to the flourishing of Haitian literature.
Haiti, opening of the exhibition "Without women no peace" :
Friday, March 8 at 6:00 pm in partnership with the Swiss Embassy in Haiti, will take place the opening of the itinerant exhibition "Without women no peace" presented in Europe and in several countries of Latin America. "Without women no peace" was born in 2005 on the initiative of the international network "Women of Peace around the world" which includes 1,000 women, from more than 150 countries, named that year for the Nobel Prize for Peace. Among them, Haitian women such as Marie Carmelle Rose Anne Auguste, Nicole Magloire and Paula Clermont Péan. This exhibition pays tribute to these women and allows the public to discover the different facets of the struggle for peace throughout the world, as well as UN resolution 1325, adopted in 2005, recognizes for the first time officially, the role of women in the process of consolidation of peace in the world. Free entry from March 8 to 25, at the French Institute of Haiti, 99 rue Lamartiniere, Bois Verna Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Haiti : Conference on nutrition and economic empowerment of women :
To mark the International Women's Day, a conference on nutrition and economic empowerment of women, will be held Friday, March 8 at 5pm in the room Unesco of the FOKAL with Ms. Sabine Lamour, specialist genres and gender relations and Ms. Lawrence, head of the office of development and nutritional support of the U.S. Agency for cooperation.
Montreal, months of Feminists activities
Friday, March 8, the Maison d'Haiti in Montreal located at 7501, streeet François-Perrault, Montreal, QC, H2A 1M1 Metro Saint-Michel, invites you to two events on the occasion of its months of Feminists activities under the matronage of the Great Anacaona, Queen of Ayiti Kiskeya Boyo. The launch will take place March 8 to 9 and the closure, April 6, 2013 from 4 pm to 8 pm (National Day of the Movement of Haitian Women organizations). Launching and closure are open to all. Parking spaces available. For information contact the Maison d'Haiti: 514-326-3022 ext 225 or 221.
France, "Les Elles d'Haïti" :
The Association "Flame D'espoir France Haiti"organizes the first edition of "Les Elles d'Haïti" on 9 and 10 March from 2h30 pm to 7h30 pm at the Maison de l'économie et de l'Emploi, located 23 avenue Lombart 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France. Portraits of women of Haitian descent engaged and involved, such as Mimi Barthélémy, Anne Lescot and Milcah, will be exposed, to pay tribute to the woman. This event is organized around an exhibition-sale of paintings, jewelry, books and art pieces made by Haitian artists. Books of haitians authors will also be on sales. he artist zouk Milcah, Patron of the Association, will be present for a book signing, Saturday, March 9 from 4h30 pm.
HL/ HaitiLibre
My home parish is about a 10-minute drive from my house. It is easily accessed on well-paved roads and also relatively close to a shopping center with a grocery store, drug store and other amenities.
This could not have been farther from the truth in my recent journey to the dedication of a school and church in a community called Molas. We changed our vehicle to a sturdy 4X4 in Gros Mornes and headed for the hills, literally! At a certain point in off roading through waterways and rocky terrain, we left the car at a coffee grower’s home and continued to make our way to Molas on foot. Four hours each way, up and down mountains, crossing brooks, navigating narrow pathways on the edge of cliffs...it was quite something. It really gave me a glimpse into the life of Haitians so far removed from medical care and needs which we take for granted.
In the midst of my struggle to climb steep hillsides and brace myself on rugged terrain, I marveled at the ease with which Haitians of all ages scampered, if not ran, by me, some barefooted. Ah to be that agile again!
The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, the way all of Haiti must have been long ago. Though people commented on the decrease of trees each time they visited, I was still captivated by the splendor of the lush, green landscape and the clear streams.
When one needs to hike 4 hours for a dedication, all the necessary accoutrements must come as well. Picture an entourage of people carrying vestments, beverages, musical instruments and other paraphernalia. Of course, the musicians were not only carrying their instruments, they were playing them! Talk about a joyful noise- a full band leading the procession with great hymns. The music only needed to stop briefly when a particular donkey was frightened by the sound and refused to pass.
We arrived at our inspiring destination and spent a delightful night in the cool mountain air, completely absent of mosquitoes. The next morning, following the adornment of balloons and loving handcrafted banners from the sponsor church, Holy Family, Chapel Hill, NC, everyone assembled at the school for its dedication. We all then processed to the church for it dedication. The service was wonderfully celebratory, filled with lots of music delivered by various singing groups, and capped off with the confirmation of 22 people of varying ages.
Following a quick lunch, it was time to begin the hike back to the car. Though concerned that my right knee might act up after all the travel of the previous day, a bamboo walking stick served to lighten the strain. Before I knew it, we were back in our vehicle, making our way to Gros Mornes and then on to Port au Prince.
I am sure there were those who wondered whether the “Blanc” was actually going to go the distance. While certainly challenging, I felt incredibly blessed to be able to share in the experience of those two days. I hope to have it again during my assignment, whether back to Molas or another part of the North. It is important for the Haitian people in all parts of this country to know that they are loved and valued. And it is important for those of us who have easier lives to be made aware of life in places far more remote. While there are decided challenges that those communities face, there is also a joie de vivre in the simplicity of their lives and the value they place on their families and caring for one another. The new school and church will add important hope and solidarity to the already rich village of Molas.
