HAFFD Empowering Women at Haitian Ladies Network Weekend Conference
October 11-13
Capitol Hilton Washington, DC
Uniting Voices for Change
The Haitian-American Foundation for Democracy (HAFFD) is thrilled to be part of the 2024 Haitian Ladies Network Weekend, taking place from October 11-13 in Washington, D.C. This vibrant gathering will bring together over 800 influential women of Haitian descent for a powerful weekend of empowerment, advocacy, and cultural celebration.
As part of our mission to elevate Haitian voices on the global stage, HAFFD will lead pivotal conversations that confront the most pressing issues facing Haiti today. On Saturday, our signature panel, "Engaging with Haiti: What's the State of Affairs," will bring together some of the most distinguished voices, led by Monique Clesca, to explore Haiti's future.
On Sunday, the conversation will deepen with an impactful advocacy workshop focused on reshaping the narrative about Haitians and Haitians Americans. This session will challenge the often one-sided media portrayals of violence and poverty, putting forward the real stories of Haitian women and advocating for human rights amidst the ongoing crisis. By centering authentic experiences, we aim to strengthen the bonds between Haiti and its Diaspora while inspiring participants to take action.
Join us as we harness the power of community and build momentum for meaningful change, paving the way for a more unified and empowered Haitian American community.
Engaging with Haiti – What’s the State of Affairs
Our signature panel is a timeless conversation, a dynamic exchange of ideas dedicated to addressing the most pressing issues of our time, with a sharp focus on the status of women in the country. This discussion brings together some of Haiti's most influential, thought-provoking, and daring thinkers and actresses.
Join our esteemed moderator, Monique Clesca, as she leads the panel of distinguished experts composed of Danièle Magloire, Vélina Elysée Charlier, and Pascale Oriol. Together, they delve into the unique challenges faced by Haitians- particularly women, the imperative need for governance reforms to drive progress, and the systematic engagement required with women and women’s groups across the nation.
Objectives:
Illuminate the Sociological and Political Landscape: Danièle Magloire, an expert in sociology and human rights, will shed light on the complex sociological and political dynamics that affect women in Haiti. She will talk about the much-needed policy reforms needed for women to fully attain their rights. By understanding these dynamics and reforms, we aim to catalyze informed actions for positive change.
Show that The Battle to end Corruption and Impunity is one of the central elements for economic and social development in Haiti, and in essence good governance. Vélina Elysée Charlier, one of the leading voices in the pro-democracy, anti-corruption and anti-impunity movement of the last few years, will discuss how corruption is an impediment to development and how impunity can’t co-exist with good governance. By focusing on these elements in the battle for democracy, we aim to show pathways for positive governance change.
Focusing on community-driven development in Haitian cities for a Brighter Tomorrow. Engineer Pascale Oriol will emphasize the interlinkages between urban social planning- with the example of waste management and community-driven solutions and how the profound impact they can have on development that is sustainable, and governance that is people-powered. By advocating for a holistic vision to development planning, a all-hands-on-deck strategy, and rigorous technical approach that focuses on sustainability, we can create a brighter future for Haiti.
Together, let's embark on a transformative journey, amplifying the voices of Haitian women, and inspiring meaningful action towards a more equitable and prosperous Haiti.
Our Workshop
"Changing the Narrative through Advocacy - #StandWithHaitians" Haiti is often portrayed in the media as a victim of its own making through the repetition of phrases like “poorest country in the Western Hemisphere” and characterizations of the country as totally out of control and in the hands of violent gangs. Now, Haitians are in the spotlight because a racist smear campaign has demonized Haitian immigrants, with baseless claims that have been repeated across media platforms. While Haitians are struggling to survive a protracted security and humanitarian crisis, the discriminatory treatment of Haitian immigrants and unceasing deportation flights further underscore the way Haitian lives are systematically trivialized through policies as well.
Despite these depictions, we know better. Haiti has an incredibly proud history, vibrant culture, and boundless artistry. As we work to change the narrative of Haiti, we look to the work of FOKAL, HLN, HAFFD, Chokarella, and others who create multimedia representations of the endless innovation and inspiration of Haitians inside and outside of Haiti. As we seek new narratives, we can strengthen the link between Haiti and the diaspora so that the stories being told about Haiti are based on the rich - albeit challenging - lived experience of Haitians featuring heritage, youth, arts and culture, and more.
How can we leverage the attention on Haiti to promote a different image of the Haitian people? How does the way Haiti is talked about in the press, by politicians in the international community, and even by Haitians, impact efforts to mobilize our communities? By centering the true narratives of the women at Haitian Ladies Network weekend, we can ignite our power to tell our own story. Together, we have the power to change the way the world is talking about Haitians right now.
