In a world where women often have fewer opportunities than their male counterparts, we’re working to fill the gap. This year, for International Women’s Day, we continue to #ChooseToChallenge. We are challenging the gender pay gap in Haiti through educating women farmers on agribusiness and how to grow a higher quality/quantity crop and to seek a fair price at market.
Women are key to ending hunger. We recently spoke with and asked questions to some of the women we work with as well as 2 members of our Haiti staff in honor of International Women’s Day 2021. Here’s what they had to say:
What does feminism mean to you?
Everyone agreed that feminism is all about respect.
Cansuse
To me, feministm is giving respect to all women.
Solange
Feminism is a great group of people who care so much about the respect of women.
Gina
A feminist is someone who loves and respects women.
Benita
I think it is a movement made in the world by the United States to fight for women’s rights.
Peterson
Women’s rights are supposed to be for all.
Magdala
Feminism is to respect all women!
Josue
Feminism is a movement for all women to have equal rights as men.
What woman inspires you and why
Cansuse
Maryenn, the woman who baptized me at my church, came with me to Port-Au-Prince and taught me how to wash clothes, cook, and different types of work. She was a role model for me.
Solange
My aunt, Marie Ange, was my greatest role model.
Gina
My mother has always inspired me. She taught me how to work and farm.
Benita
My mother is who inspires me. She has done so much for me like show me how to wash, cook, and iron.
Peterson
My mother was my greatest inspiration, she helped me in so many ways. Unfortunately she passed away.
Magdala
My mother was an inspiration for me. She always helped me.
Josue
My late mother truly inspired me because she always put lots of effort into me and my life. My wife also inspires me everyday! She makes my life better.
What qualities make a great "girlboss"
Cansuse
They would have a calm leadership style.
Solange
A good leader is someone who can be assertive without being threatening.
Gina
What makes me a good leader is that I work and get things done without missing a beat.
Benita
A good leader is when the person does all of their work to the best of their ability.
Peterson
It is a woman who treats others with respect.
Magdala
It’s a woman who gives respect and is proud of all she has worked for.
Josue
I think what makes a good leader is someone who can look at where their work is lacking, get serious, and look for ways to improve.
If you could change one thing about the way women are treated, what would it be
Respect and equality came to mind for everyone.
Cansuse
I would give women all of the same rights as men.
Solange
I would see a world where women had equal rights and privileges in society.
Gina
I would make every woman feel respected.
Benita
I would give respect to all women on earth.
Peterson
I would make it where when a woman goes to work, she is respected and not manipulated.
Magdala
I would make a world where women can live a good life without discrimination.
Josue
I would make sure all women were treated with respect.
What do you think the biggest challenges that the next generation of women will face
Cansuse
I think arguing with each other is a big challenge the next generation faces. Women need to respect each other!
Solange
I believe that not giving other people respect is a big problem they could face. We have to all work together to make positive change.
Gina
They will face struggles that us women face even though we’re human, just like everyone else.
Benita
I think a great challenge is working to break all forms of discrimination in this world.
Peterson
The situation in the country (Haiti) for children is changing.
* (In Haiti, there have been increased political unrest, kidnappings, etc.)
Magdala
A message to the next generation: Continue to work hard to transform the lives of all women!
Josue
I think the next generation struggles with arguing with each other, treat everyone with respect!
Take a moment today to think about the women in your life who inspire you. Happy International Women’s Day!