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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Marchons unies
Marchons unies
A group of organizations in Haiti and abroad have united to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the First Haitian Women’s Congress, honoring the legacy and contributions of Haitian women in the fight for equality and empowerment.
*** CLE (Centre de Leadership et d’Excellence) will serve as the fiscal sponsor, receiving all contributions related to ticketing and sponsorship to support the success of this historic commemoration.
Sponsors
Join us for a memorable 3 day experience
in the North of Haiti
Program
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Day 1
April 10th, 2025
Opening Reception
Welcome Remarks
Honorary Key Note Speakers
Cultural Performance
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Day 2
April 11th, 2025
Symposium: Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future
Keynotes, Panels
Round Tables
Cultural Performance
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Day 3
April 12th, 2025
Community Empowerment Day
Panels, Roundtables
Workshops
Closing Ceremony
Speakers
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Dr. Guerda Nicolas
President & Co-Founder,
Ayiti Community Trust
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Honorable Pédrica Saint-Jean
Ministre à la Condition Féminine et aux Droits des Femmes
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Her Excellency Michele Pierre Louis
Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Haiti, Co-Founder of FOKAL
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Bineta Diop
Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Women, Peace and Security.
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Marie Goretti Nduwayo
UN Women Representative in Haiti
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Ambassador Danielle Saint-Lot
Former Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and Co-founder of Femmes en Démocratie
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Ambassador Maryse Pénette-Kedar
Former Secretary of State of Tourism and President of Prodev
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Geeta Narayan
UNICEF Representative in Haiti
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Honorable Dottie Joseph
Florida House of Representatives
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Bayyinah Bello
President,
Fondasyon Félicitée
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Dr. Solanges Vivens
Founder, Vivens Media Group
Author, “Girls Can Move Mountains”
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Dr. Carole Berotte Joseph
CEO, BCA Consultancy Associates, LLC & Former President Bronx Community College of the City University of New York
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Marie Gabrielle Aurel
Founder & Chief Executive Officer,
Sonje Ayiti
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Marie-Claire Dorcely
Chief Administration Officer at
Sèvis Finansye Fonkoze (SFF)
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Roseline Benjamin
Psychologue, Agent pour la Paix Directrice Générale de Fondation IDEO
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Isabelle Clérié
Executive Director,
Haiti Impact Group
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Naïka Charles D’Haiti
Co-Founder/Executive Director,
Project St Anne
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Shaïna Silva
Founder & CEO
#SHE_BUILDS Global Initiative
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Christine Coupet Jacques
CEO,
DAGMAR HAITI
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Ruth Magdala Marcelin
Coordonnatrice de programme, Haitian Women's Collective (HWC)
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Huguette Charles
Présidente Tèt Kole Fanm Dilè
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Francoise Deristel-Leger
Director,
FLOW Studio Experience
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Angie Bell
Co-Founder,
PouBelle Ayiti, Vil Okap
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Stephanie Sophie Louis
Founder,
JERH (Youth Engaged for the Renaissance of Haiti)
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Lunise Jules
LJC Services LLC
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Elvire Eugene
President of Asosyasyon Fanm Soley Dayiti (AFASDA)
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.
Event Logistics
Join us for an unforgettable experience from April 10-12, 2025, in Limonade, Haiti.
All event logistics for international participants, VIP and Speakers, 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.
