The Lambi Fund of Haiti

Fall 2007 Newsletter — Contents

Member Profile: Nozia Antoine

President, Asosyasyon Fanm Lasca'AFL) (In English: Women’s Association of Lascahobas)
Name: Nozia Antoine
Age: 29
Occupation: My husband and I own a commuter bus which travels from Lascahobas to Port-au-Prince.
Family: Married with two boys

Why did you decide to participate' Lambi Fund women’s conference?

I attended the conference to learn more about strengthening my organization and to improve our capacity to mobilize members of local grassroots organizations. I hope that the Lambi Fund will return to Lascahobas to offer training workshops about community organizing and community engagement in the near future.

Have there been any changes in your life as a result of your association with the Lambi Fund?

I am from the town of Lascahobas, an agricultural town located near the Haitian Dominican border. As the president of AFL, I led the organization to address the needs of its members at multiple levels. Under my leadership, AFL approached the Lambi Fund for support on a project of fruit processing. Members prepared jams, jellies and conserves for commercial distribution. This was the AFL strategy to offer sustainable economic development opportunities to its members. AFL members who participated in previous Lambi Fund workshops adopted the use of solar ovens to dry some of the fruits.

How has it affected your family?

My family is now economically independent and I am a leader in the community.

How have your plans for the future been affected by your participation in the organization?

I credit the leadership workshop I attended last year as the inspiration for my ambitious foray in local politics.

What is the importance of the sustainable development project to your community?

I am concerned about securing a sustainable source of income for AFL members. However I do not want to lose sight 'rganization’s responsibility to advocate for the rights of women and to promote greater civic participation among grassroots organizations and stakeholders.

Has your participation 'women’s conference changed your role in the community?

Yes.

How?

This year I, and other AFL members, went through great lengths to attend this conference, traveling for over 10 hours with two children in tow. I traveled with my six-month-old son Bibi. I think I was “driven” to attend the Lambi Fund Leadership conference, because it is my only opportunity to meet with other women who are also engaged in community building activities.

In 2006 I ran for mayor in Lascahobas. The incumbent had refused throughout his tenure to meet with grassroots organizations and acknowledge their issues and concerns. My campaign strategy was to mobilize'rsquo;s organizations, grassroots and peasant organizations to raise awareness about the need for a more inclusive style of governance. My ultimate goal is to develop a social and physical master plan for the town of Lascahobas. I think of my campaign as very successful since I only lost by 100 votes.

Help Nozia make her dreams for Lascahobas a reality. Contribute to Lambi Fund Women's programs to develop leadership skills among Haitian women.