Summary

• Women are Haiti’s ‘poto mitan’ (centerposts), playing pivotal roles in matters of family, education, health, commerce and the economy, and agriculture.

• Gender-based violence has been and continues to be a very real threat to the security and well-being of Haitian women and their families.

• Deficient access to education and healthcare, and misguided agricultural policies, have exacerbated women’s burdens.

• Improved social, economic and political empowerment of women is vital to rebuilding Haiti.