Above: Martelly at the Hotel Karibe (Photo: OP)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Haitian woman is the foundation of the country’s society, and Haitian women must have full participation in the process of reconstruction, President Michel Martelly said Thursday in a speech at the Karibe Hotel.

Martelly was speaking at the presentation of the National Platform of Action for Haitian Women and Their Communities, set up after an agreement of 150 female leaders.

The presentation, which came after a three-day conference, was attended by the President of the Women’s Caucus, lawmakers and UN Haiti Chief Mariano Fernandez, among others.

“[The Haitian woman] is the principal pillar for the development of our country,” said Martelly, who called for all sectors in Haiti to work toward promoting the participation of women in the reconstruction process.

The President’s speech also called for increased economic and educational opportunities for women, improved access to health care and more political participation by women in Haiti.