Living in fear is not living: The silent cry of women in Haiti
The testimonies you will read below are real and represent the harsh reality of thousands of women around the world. We have changed their names for security reasons and to protect the protagonists.
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most severe human rights violations worldwide. Every 10 minutes, a woman is murdered, and it is estimated that one in three women has been a victim of physical or sexual violence at least once in her life, according to UN Women figures. This pattern not only destroys lives but also perpetuates the cycle of suffering in entire families and communities.
In this article, we share real stories of Haitian women who have lived harrowing experiences to raise awareness about the urgency of eradicating violence against girls, adolescents, and women.
Stories that should not be repeated
Ana, a struggling mother
Ana is a 29-year-old mother of four young daughters. Her life took a tragic turn when gun violence reached her community in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Although they tried to stay safe, her husband was killed while trying to protect them.
Since then, Ana has faced unimaginable challenges: homelessness, hunger, and the inability to send her daughters to school. Thanks to the humanitarian support she received, she was able to start a small business to feed her daughters. She also obtained psychological care that restored her hope. However, the weight of loss and uncertainty continues to mark her life.
She shares:
“Sometimes I think my daughters would be better off without me, but then I realize they need me more than ever.”
Maria, survivor, and resilient mother
Maria, 30, also lives in Haiti with her three children. Her husband was murdered while working, and months later, she was the victim of a rape that marked her deeply. Despite the difficulties, Maria struggles daily to care for her children. She lives in precarious conditions, facing discrimination and a lack of resources.
With courage, Maria has found ways to get ahead. She started a small business and has received psychological help that has allowed her to find some peace. However, she dreams of a better future for her children, especially in their education, which has been interrupted since the death of her husband.
María, with a mix of hope and sorrow, expresses:
"Every time I see my children, I remember what I went through. They are my strength but also my pain."
Violence against women cannot be ignored.
Ana and Maria's stories are not isolated cases. In 2023, more than 51,000 women and girls were murdered at the hands of their partners or family members. These figures reflect an alarming reality that affects both developing countries and those with advanced economies.
Moreover, violence against women intensifies in environments affected by conflict, economic inequality, and phenomena such as climate change. Haiti, like other vulnerable countries, faces social and structural challenges that exacerbate extreme risks for thousands of women and girls.
There is no excuse
It is everyone's responsibility to put an end to violence against women and girls. To this end, it is necessary to:
- Invest in prevention: finance education and awareness programs at all social levels.
- End impunity: Adopt and reinforce laws that punish those responsible.
- Support survivors: Provide access to shelter, psychological support, and economic opportunities.
- Strengthen women's rights movements: Listen to the voices of those affected and promote their solutions.
Ana and Maria ask for the same thing: education for their children, a safe home, and a future where they can live without fear. These demands are minimal but essential to break the cycle of violence.
JOIN the cause
It's time to stand up to end violence against women. JOIN local and global movements and promote respect, equality, and dignity in every space. Because no woman or girl should live in fear, and no life should be cut short by violence.
Share this message. Pray for the women of Haiti and the world. Take action to build a world where respect is the norm and not the exception.