Kongrè 75

Event Overview

The 75th Anniversary of the First Congress of Women in Haiti commemorates the historic 1950 gathering in Port-au-Prince, where trailblazing women united for gender equality and social progress.

Amid Haiti’s current challenges, this event highlights the resilience and leadership of Haitian women in shaping the nation's future. Leaders, scholars, and activists will come together to reflect on the past, assess the present, and envision a future of empowerment. We will commemorate the first congress, celebrate achievements, build alliances, and reinforce our commitment to women’s leadership in business, governance, and society through panels, cultural performances, and keynote speeches.

The Haitian Women’s National Congress occurred from April 10–15, 1950, in Port-au-Prince. It was a landmark event in Haiti's history of women’s advocacy, uniting Haitian and international voices to promote gender equality and social advancement.

  • The LFAS expanded its reach by organizing the first national women’s congress, bringing

    together 44 Haitian women’s associations and 32 delegates from 17 international

    organizations. The congress was held under the honorary presidency of Haiti’s First Lady,

    Lucienne Heurtelou-Estimé, and was part of the broader activities of the International

    Bicentennial Exhibition of Port-au-Prince. This integration into a major national event

    elevated the women’s movement’s visibility and legitimacy on a global stage.

  • A pivotal outcome of the congress and related advocacy efforts was the constitutional

    assembly’s ratification of Article 8 of the Haitian Constitution on November 4, 1950, in

    Gonaïves. This article granted women aged 21 and older the right to vote in all national

    elections. Women activists gathered in Gonaïves to mark this historic achievement, with

    demonstrations underscoring their collective power and determination. Archival

    photographs from the Gonaïves demonstrations capture the spirit and significance of this

    moment.

    This congress represented a milestone in Haitian women’s rights and underscored their

    leadership in shaping the country’s political and social landscape.

  • The conference committee was led by influential women from various regions of Haiti, reflecting the event’s national scope:

    • Madeleine Sylvain-Bouchereau (Port-au-Prince): President of the Congress

    • Mme. Raymond Laroche (Cap-Haïtien)

    • Mme. Thomas Pierre Philippe (Port-de-Paix)

    • Mlle. Germaine Dennery (Cayes)

    • Mlle. Elda Pierre (Jérémie)

    Members of the Port-au-Prince chapter of the Ligue Féminine d’Action Sociale (LFAS) played a pivotal role in organizing the congress:

    • Cléante Desgraves Valcin: President of LFAS in 1950

    • Fortuna Guéry (Port-au-Prince): Haitian representative for the Women’s Inter-American Commission

    • Lydia O. Jeanty

    • Alice Garoute: Despite her illness, she was instrumental in the planning process

    • Lucienne Estimé: Honorary President of the Congress

    • Simone Hyppolite Malval

Join us for a memorable 3 day experience

in the North of Haiti

Program

  • Day 1

    April 10th, 2025

    Opening Reception

    Welcome Remarks

    Honorary Key Note Speakers

    Cultural Performance

  • Day 2

    April 11th, 2025

    Synmposium: Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future

    Keynotes, Panels

    Round Tables

    Cultural Performance

  • Day 3

    April 12th, 2025

    Community Empowerment Day

    Panels, Roundtables

    Workshops

    Closing Ceremony

Register

Event Logistics

Join us for an unforgettable experience from April 10-13, 2025, in Limonade, Haiti.

All event logistics, including transportation, accommodations, and on-ground coordination, will be managed by Belle vue Tours to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Additional details on travel arrangements, lodging options, and local transportation will be provided upon registration.

Get ready to explore, connect, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Limonade with expert guidance every step of the way!

Why Now

Haiti is at a critical juncture, facing immense socio-political and economic challenges. At a time when women continue to be at the forefront of grassroots activism and community rebuilding, recognizing the history of their advocacy is more important than ever. The First Congress of Women in Haiti was a turning point that paved the way for Haitian women’s right to vote, secured through Article 8 of the Haitian Constitution in 1950.

Inspire Future Generations

Highlight the achievements of past leaders and motivate young women to take an active role in shaping Haiti’s future.

Strengthen Advocacy Networks

Foster collaboration among Haitian women and their allies to address pressing national and global challenges.

Elevate women’s in Nation Building

Reinforce the need for women’s leadership in governance, economic development, and peace building.