As relief and recovery efforts continue following a devastating earthquake in Haiti on January 12, we extend our concern and solidarity with the people of this vibrant nation. During the last 10 years, Vital Voices has been privileged to work with extraordinary Haitian women, including Danielle Saint-Lot, Ann-Valerie Timothee Milfort, Nadine Perrault, Rhodes Garçon, Phelicia Dell, Yanick Gaston Louis, Marie Lucie Bonhomme, and many others.

Our Latin America & the Caribbean Program team has been able to contact the Haiti Chapter of Vital Voices, Femmes en Democratie, and we are in the process of coordinating with network members to identify long-term needs, and how Vital Voices can best contribute to these efforts.

Vital Voices President Alyse Nelson and Latin America & the Caribbean Senior Program Officer Eugenia Podesta traveled to Haiti in November, when they joined our network members in celebration of the 10th anniversary Femmes en Democratie. While in Port au Prince, our team witnessed firsthand the tremendous spirit of the women of this nation, and we commend them for their strength and resilience.

Extending her thoughts and support to those affected, Alyse Nelson recalls her recent visit to Haiti:

“The extent of destruction and the urgency for humanitarian aid in Haiti continues to overwhelm us with every news report. We were in Port au Prince only two months ago, honored to stand with a remarkable group of women as we commemorated 10 years of their positive impact through Femmes en Democratie. I have been amazed by their generosity of spirit and unshakeable resolve to make real their vision to empower the women of their community. We stand with our network members and all the people of Haiti as they recover and rebuild, lending our support in any way we can.”

Eugenia Podesta said of the situation in Haiti and her experience with network members:

“The news of the earthquake was quite a shock. When we were recently in Haiti, we experienced an inspiring sense of achievement, community, and determination that better times were on the horizon as the women looked forward to improving the lives of even more women. They have transformed many lives in the past 10 years, and the results of their work were tangible and made undoubtedly clear to us during our visit. We are deeply saddened about everything that they are enduring at this time, and we extend our support in the weeks and months to come.”

Danielle Saint-Lot, Vital Voices Network member and co-founder of our chapter in Haiti, Femmes en Democratie, offers her first-hand account of current conditions and calls for assistance in a post to our blog. Read her post

Three celebrated Haitian women's rights activists, Myriam Merlet, Magalie Marcelin, and Anne Marie Coriolan, were among the victims of the earthquake. Read about these remarkable women on our blog, In Memoriam: Women's Movement in Haiti Mourns Loss of Three Activists

Profiled Network Members

Danielle Saint-Lot

Photo Credit: Sebastian Podesta

In 1999, Danielle Saint-Lot co-founded Femmes en Democratie, Vital Voices’ Regional Chapter in Haiti. After attending a Vital Voices conference in Montevideo, Uruguay, Danielle returned to her country inspired, and organized a conference to discuss the work of Vital Voices. Femmes en Democratie was then formed as an affiliate chapter, and has since thrived, thanks largely to Danielle’s leadership, vision and commitment. Currently an independent consultant for both public and private, national and international organizations, Danielle has previously held posts in Haiti’s Ministries of Commerce and Industry, and Foreign Affairs and External Cooperation.

Marie Lucie Bonhomme

A co-founder of Femmes en Democratie, Marie had joined Danielle Saint-Lot at a Vital Voices conference in Montevideo, Uruguay, and was integral to the formation of Vital Voices’ Haiti Chapter. Marie is a leading radio journalist and advocate for women’s rights, serving as Information Director of Radio Vision 2000. In her work, she shows courage and conviction, exposing corruption and human rights abuses without fear of retribution. Even when forced to flee her home to live in a safehouse, Marie continued to report news with objectivity and integrity.

Phelicia Dell

A member of Femmes en Democratie, Phelicia Dell is widely recognized within Haiti and abroad for her talent as an artisan and fashion designer. In 2009, Phelicia was selected as the Emerging Handbag Designer by Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg in a global competition sponsored by Furstenberg. With great determination and will, Phelicia has empowered herself and now thrives after having overcome the tragic kidnapping and death of her husband. Through her brand, Ve`Ve&grave Collections, Phelicia serves as entrepreneur, designer and producer, realizing her vision each day through her work.

Rhodes Garcon

Rhodes Garçon with her daughter – Photo Credit: Sebastian Podesta

As acting Executive Director of Femmes en Democratie, Rhodes leads this established Vital Voices Regional Chapter into its tenth year of service to the Haitian community. Managing programs and workshops on women’s participation in the political process, entrepreneurship, and human rights and leadership, Rhodes guides this collective of impassioned women. With great devotion and a sense of purpose, Rhodes leads Femmes en Democratie in an effort to realize the objectives of the Chapter, working to expand the role of Haitian women by fostering exchanges, promoting Haitian female leadership, and supporting youth.

Ann-Valerie Timothee Milfort

Photo Credit: Sebastian Podesta

In 1999, Ann-Valerie served as a co-founder of Femmes en Democratie, and today she continues to contribute to the work of the Chapter in its tenth year. Ann-Valerie has shaped her career around women’s rights and community organizing, having acted as a consultant on women’s issues for various organizations in the Haitian private and NGO sectors. As Technical Advisor to the cabinet of the Minister of Women’s Rights, Ann-Valerie coordinated an effort to successfully open the first state-managed center for battered and abused women. In both her private and professional life, Ann-Valerie is a true advocate for women, promoting equality and progress in the fields of human rights and health.

Nadine Perrault

Right: Nadine Perrault – Photo Credit: Sebastian Podesta

After attending a Vital Voices conference in Montevideo, Uruguay, Nadine returned to Haiti and served as a co-founder of Femmes en Democratie. A leading human rights lawyer and activist, Nadine has devoted herself to the preservation and full extension of human rights, particularly regarding women’s participation in all spheres of economic, social, and political life. Nadine is recognized for her expertise, and has acted as an Advisor to UNICEF. With her guidance and support over the past ten years, Femmes en Democratie has expanded its influence and impact in Haiti.