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International development

Women entrepreneurs talk about PANSEH’s impact

June 29, 2020

There are three levels of challenges associated with gender equality in Haiti: access to resources, access to decision-making and access to knowledge. Here is how the National Support Program for Organizing Haitian Entrepreneurship (PANSEH), which ended in April 2020, made a difference for women entrepreneurs in overcoming these obstacles.

"I haven’t been around them for very long, and they have already made a big difference. They have been a huge help in advancing my projects because of the training that I took to be able to grow my business." Farah Cedieu Phillipe, founder of Makaya’s Fashion, a company specializing in the creation of clothing, shoes and accessories that highlight Creole culture. As a result of PANSEH’s support, Farah was able to rent premises to set up her workshop and boutique, facilitating the production of her creations.

"PANSEH taught me to take advantage of all opportunities despite the socio-political conditions. I owe more to this initiative than to anything else." Marie-Andrée Armand, owner of Arma Créations, a business specializing in promoting Haitian art and recycling set up as a result of support received from PANSEH. In 2019, Arma Créations received the environment prize for the Antrepriz Paw contest.

"Support from PANSEH-Haiti helped me better promote my offer and improve my positioning in the market." Islande Bonne, owner of Ria Pwodwi Kreyol, a partnership that transforms local fruit into various derivative products. The business, which currently has 7 employees, 57% of whom are women, encourages agricultural production by purchasing from local farmers. The support received from PANSEH helps her better manage her business today and earn a stable income.