Soroptimist International Foundation was able to support the Steve Sinnott Foundation with money from Soroptimist International Foundation’s War-Torn Countries Fund, kindly donated by SI Taiwan.
In March this year, the Steve Sinnott Foundation, in partnership with the nonprofit Sonje Ayiti Organisation and local partners, launched a month-long campaign in Haiti to raise awareness of gender-based violence and empower communities to take action.
The campaign launched on International Women’s Day (8 March) at the CIMA Community School of Hope, where over 200 people gathered for a vibrant programme of cultural dances, drama, partner presentations and open discussions.
Facilitators from SOSPSY, a Haitian non-governmental organisation providing psychosocial support and mental health services to communities affected by trauma, violence, and displacement, guided participants in exploring hidden forms of violence often accepted as normal. Their sessions created a powerful space for reflection and the sharing of personal testimonies.
Reaching Thousands Through Schools and Churches
From 8 to 30 March, the Steve Sinnott Foundation partnered with local churches—including Lumière de Vie Evangelical, Chabanon Nazarene, and Nouvelle Espérance of Cima—to deliver an awareness campaign on gender-based violence. Through interactive workshops, trainers highlighted the forms of violence most often faced by vulnerable groups and explored practical ways to prevent them. Participants shared personal stories in a safe, constructive space, while facilitators from SOS Psy (SOS Psychology), a local group that provides mental and psychosocial support, answered questions and offered strategies for change. This group is very engaged in raising awareness about gender-based violence. Many attendees expressed gratitude and a strong commitment to take action within their communities.
Between 8 and 30 March 2025, the Steve Sinnott Foundation held regular training sessions on gender-based violence at Lumière de Vie Evangelical School and Fossée Capois School of Life. Through interactive workshops and educational games, students learned about gender equality and how to recognise and prevent gender-based violence, as well as how to support peers who may be affected. They asked thoughtful questions, engaged actively and pledged to become ambassadors for non-violence in Haiti. As part of the Positive Periods Programme, 20 girls received 100 reusable sanitary pads in recognition of their participation.
A National Voice Inspires Local Action
On 12 March, the campaign welcomed Jean Jean Roosevelt, one of Haiti’s most celebrated singers and a champion for women’s rights through his lyrics. He engaged boys at CIMA School of Hope in a gender-based violence campaign by producing a music video about the topic, giving them a platform to speak about respect for women and their role in ending violence. Their voices will now join a growing national movement for equality.
Campaign Closing Ceremony Celebrates Community Action
The campaign concluded on 30 March with a community-wide closing ceremony at CIMA, bringing together participating schools, churches, and local partners. Four speakers—Katiana O. Duverneau, Mutchi Obas, Dr. Pierrot Luma, and Stechelie Samedi—led discussions, moderated by Mettelus Dudeley, inspiring attendees to unite against gender-based violence and continue raising public awareness.
The day featured a cultural performance by CECE, a photo session with nonviolence messages, and a snack. As part of the event, 137 reusable sanitary pads were distributed to female participants and gifted to men for their wives and daughters, reinforcing both health and community support.
In total, the campaign reached more than 500 people directly and an estimated 5,000–10,000 indirectly through community networks, posters, and social media—spreading vital messages of equality and change far beyond the classroom walls.
Positive Periods: Sustainable Solutions for Girls and the Planet
The campaign also tied into Steve Sinnott Foundation’s Positive Periods Programme, now in its fourth year. Thanks to funding from the Foundation, students at CIMA’s sewing workshop are making reusable sanitary pads, uniforms and traditional clothing. In March alone, 237 reusable pads were distributed in schools and at the campaign’s closing ceremony, helping girls stay in class and reducing waste from disposables.
So far, 41 students have been trained in sewing, with 20 already earning income from their skills. This programme not only supports menstrual health but also tackles poverty and environmental challenges by promoting cost-effective, sustainable, reusable products.
Reusable sanitary pads have helped reduce school absenteeism for more than 1,500 girls while also cutting waste across 19 rural schools. This year, the sewing workshops at CIMA Community School of Hope expanded the Positive Periods Programme, training 41 students—both girls and boys—in pad-making and other skills. Twenty of these students are now earning an income of 1,000 Gdes (around $8 USD) per uniform, while also producing reusable pads for women and girls who cannot make their own.
Through the Steve Sinnott Foundation, the Resource Centre Sewing Workshop is equipped with machines and supplies, enabling students not only to produce pads but also to develop valuable skills. Designed for durability, these pads can be reused for years, reducing costs, limiting import and providing income-generating opportunities for students.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The project evaluated both implementation and methodology before, during, and after each intervention. Pre-assessments measured participants’ knowledge of gender-based violence, while sessions ensured understanding and post-assessments allowed questions and discussion.
Initially, most participants were unfamiliar with gender-based violence, but by the end, they actively engaged in discussions on issues like men’s authority over women and corporal punishment, showing increased awareness and commitment. Follow-up interviews confirmed retention of key information and a willingness to adopt behaviours that help prevent gender-based violence in their communities.
Looking Ahead
Evaluations showed that most participants entered the campaign with little knowledge of gender-based violence but left with a clearer understanding and determination to act going forward.
Through these initiatives, the Steve Sinnott Foundation is helping young people and communities stand together against violence, build sustainable futures and create a more equal, hopeful Haiti.
Further information:
Soroptimist International Foundation is a Charitable Trust overseen by SI (Soroptimist International) Limited. Soroptimist International Foundation is currently managing legacies, a fund to Educate Women from War Torn Countries and projects in Kenya, Haiti, Nepal and Sierra Leone. The War Torn Countries Fund is still open to donations.
Donations to Soroptimist International Foundation to help us deliver future projects for women and girls are gratefully received.
For further information or to make enquires regarding legacies, please email hq@soroptimistinternational.org
