Haiti – two years on
On 12 January 2010, as witnessed with horror by many on their TV screens, Haiti was devastated by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake which traumatised the country and its people, led to vast loss of life, dramatic destitution and the uprooting of many Haitians. Thanks to donations from across the globe, including from YWCAs worldwide, as well as relief efforts from international humanitarian organisations, close to 900 Internally displaced persons (IDP) camps were set up for some 600,000 Haitians, over 300,000 of whom were women.
Two years on, the situation remains particularly preoccupying. The majority of earthquake survivors have not been able to regain their homes - which were either destroyed or need extensive repairs to once again become secure - and thus remain in camps which were originally planned as a short-term makeshift solution. The tents are now worn out, often torn, and offer little protection from the elements. Hygiene is appalling, with a serious lack of toilets, showers or running and drinking water and no real waste disposal system has been set up, resulting in residents being prone to infection and disease. Security and lighting after dark on the camps is practically non-existent, leading to kidnappings, thefts and violent aggressions. In addition, most people no longer have an income generating activity, and as access to adequate food and health services are generally lacking, begging and violence are common. Children are vulnerable victims of this dramatic situation, often left to themselves to roam the streets, rather than attending school.
In post-earthquake Haiti, a major issue of concern, which has so far hardly been addressed, remains the situation of women (who are often the sole head of the family), young women and girls. Violence against women and girls remains unabated and rape and sexual violence perpetrated against those living in the camps is commonplace. With the breakdown of the family and social network, and the loss of any protection or safety net, women are even more vulnerable to violence. It is estimated that in these two years, some 22% of IDPs have been victims of some form of sexual assault. In addition, some women have no other choice but to resort to exchanging sexual acts in return for food and other survival needs, which in turn has led to additional risks of unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other related health problems.
Feeling particularly concerned about the situation, YWCA Haiti immediately initiated a number of projects to assist those affected by the earthquake : Following the earthquake, YWCA Haiti inaugurated a Youth Centre. A safe space where some 60 youth regularly receive a warm meal and psychological support and participate in extra-curricular activities. Since April 2010, thanks to the support of the World YWCA and international donors, 160 young women from the poorer areas of Port-au-Prince, have participated in 6 workshops around the theme « give young women the power to initiate change », as well as group therapy sessions on self esteem. Since July 2010, YWCA Haiti and the Haiti Adolescent Girls Network (HAGN), allowed 140 young 8-15 year old girls to benefit from a six-month programme providing them with a safe space to receive reliable information on subjects including life competencies, puberty, sexual and reproductive health, self esteem, hygiene, as well as financial training. In October 2011, following a partnership with the Fondation Haitienne de l’Enseignement Privé (FONHEP), a three-year educational programme called Edikasyon Kle Lavni (EKLA) was initiated for 22 young 12-18 year old girls who do not go to school.
YWCA Haiti, founded in 2007 and affiliated to the World YWCA in July 2011, is led by a Board of 13 members, including young women thirty years or under.
