Judithe Registre

Haiti

On hearing that an earthquake had destroyed Haiti, I felt indescribable pain. I’m connected to Haiti like a fetus to its mother. The earthquake shattered me into millions of pieces, and now I am trying to focus my energy on exploring ways I can contribute to reconstructing efforts.

It’s no surprise that this disaster, like so many disasters, has become highly gendered and marked by the divisions of class and age that are intrinsic to Haitian society.  As I grieve, I worry most about the women and children in the newly established camps. I know all too well, after working in conflict and post-conflict countries for the past decade, that rape and other violence against women and children are often endemic in such camps. Not without reason, I fear that relief strategies are being developed with insufficient consideration of this danger.

Most women in Haiti have suffered some form of violence, and 40% have experienced domestic violence. Sexual abuse of girls is highly common; according to a recent study by leading Haitian women organization, Kay Femm, an astounding 61% of abused victims are younger than eighteen. During the political turmoil that preceded this disaster, rape and other forms of violence against women were already widespread and overlooked. Camps can become breeding grounds for exploitation and abuse unless the Haitian government and the international community implement comprehensive strategies against it. Humanitarian efforts are currently providing food, water, shelter and medical care, but they must incorporate the protection of women and children.

The women of Haiti are vulnerable, so the children of Haiti are vulnerable. No matter how poor people were before, they’re worse off now, on the streets or in camps with little control over their lives. Most have lost loved ones, and their grief will persist for years.  In rebuilding, I recommend prioritizing the two groups with the most potential to create a stronger Haiti: youth and women. People younger than 35 (70% of Haiti’s population) should be trained to rebuild Haiti. Women, who are the foundation of Haiti and have borne the burden of Haiti’s struggle, need empowerment and protection. This also requires changing the mentality of men and boys and allocating resources to these goals.

Turning the tide will require profound cultural and political shifts. Is leadership up to the task? I hope so, for there’s no choice. People everywhere are calling for greater accountability from governments. Now, Haitians will demand more from all who claim to help.

I wonder if this destruction is actually a long-awaited opportunity to reconstruct Haiti from scratch. Haitians will rebuild Haiti, with the support of the international community, which has been so gracious in its response. Perhaps this is the final price the country will pay before reclaiming its glory and ensuring the prosperous future of a brave and courageous people.  I believe it is.