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