Women's movement mourns the death of three Haitian leaders

The devastating earthquake in Haiti on 12th January claimed the lives of Myriam Merlet, Magalie Marcelin and Anne Marie Coriolan, three leading figures of the Haitian women's movement. Myriam Merlet was Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Gender and Rights of Women. As an activist, she raised awareness of the use of rape as a political weapon and founded EnfoFamn, an organisation that raises the profile of Haitian women domestically and abroad.

Both Magalie Marcelin and Anne Marie Coriolan were advisers to the Ministry of Gender and Rights of Women. Marcelin also founded Kay Famn, an organisation that gives shelter and financial support to women who have experienced violence. Coriolan formed Solidarity with Haitian Women, a rights and advocacy service.

Aid agencies warn that many women left homeless by the earthquake are now at an increased risk of domestic and sexual violence. Please donate as much as you can to women's organisations such as ARMUTEL and MADRE who are providing aid to women in need. Please sign up to the campaign for the UN to prioritise aid for women in Haiti.