Emergency Support Fund - incarcerated women, Haiti

Women, formerly housed in Haiti’s only women’s prison Cabaret, are now living in extremely challenging conditions as the country continues to be caught up in political upheaval, riots and gang violence. Following a fire and looting at the prison earlier this month, a local group supporting the women’s needs have appealed for help.

This GoFundMe appeal is to raise enough money to support the basic needs of approximately 50 incarcerated women and will be used to provide toilet paper, sanitary products, clothing, water and other self-care items.

Individuals from Women Beyond Walls and the International Network of Formerly Incarcerated Women (INFIW) have come together to raise money through this fund because we believe the women’s needs are exceptional at this time.

While the Haitian women were moved from Cabaret Prison in June when violence in Haiti was escalating, they had to leave belongings behind - most of which are now assumed to have been burnt or stolen in the February 2024 fire. Around 50 women are living in one cramped room in a facility without decent sanitation and with no resources for their care. OFKONVA, an organisation in HaitI that mobilises support for women in prison, has said that the women urgently need help to access basics like clean water, toilet paper, sanitary towels, clothing and other hygiene products. The majority of the women who make up OFKONVA themselves have experience of being incarcerated in Haiti and are well placed to understand the needs and mobilise the funds raised. One woman said:

“Because we were in prison, we know how they suffer. If we ask for help, we do it with all our hearts.”

The Women Beyond Walls and INFIW communities have come together at this time because women who are so often invisibilised are now doubly disadvantaged by what is going on in Haiti. While these small goods will not change the situation they will provide some dignity and relief for the women while they continue to live in very distressing conditions.

We would appreciate any money you are able to give and will report back on how it is used as soon as we are able to. Thank you in advance for your care.