Where are the women?
We live in an era where the gender gap has been considerably reduced. However, recent reports warn that, at the current pace of progress, it will take 134 years to achieve full gender parity, that is, until the year 2158, within five generations.
Women are: in classrooms, in fields, in communities, in social movements. But while many gain access to education, deep barriers persist that hinder their academic advancement. In Haiti, the female literacy rate is 57.3%, compared to 64.3% for men. And only 0.7% of women manage to access higher education, compared to 1.4% of men.
These figures are not just numbers: they are a reminder that the gender gap in education remains an urgent reality.
At UNIR-Haiti, we believe that one of the most effective ways to transform this reality is to invest in education. That’s why, within our Fanm Yo La program, we created a scholarship aimed at helping more women complete their undergraduate thesis and obtain their university degree, making their voices heard in knowledge production and decision-making.
What is the Fanm Yo La Scholarship?
The Bous Fanm Yo La is a financial, logistical, and technical support designed to help female students finish their undergraduate thesis and achieve graduation.
We believe that completing university education is a crucial step for more women to continue reaching their goals and dreams, and for their voice and knowledge to be present in the construction of knowledge and in the decision-making processes of our society.
The scholarship is designed so that, within a period of 6 to 8 months, the beneficiary can complete her thesis. We adapt to each student’s needs by identifying and removing the main challenges that may arise.
What does the scholarship include?
- Financial aid to cover expenses related to research and the thesis (materials, transportation, copies, library access, etc.).
- Technical support: mentorship, academic counseling, and logistical assistance.
- Participation in political and feminist leadership training spaces.
Prioritized Research Topics
The research conducted by the scholarship beneficiaries should align with key areas for knowledge generation in Haiti, such as:
- Women’s rights in rural areas.
- Defense of territory.
- Impact of megaprojects in Haiti.
- Migration and its implications.
- Social movements and related topics.
How are the projects selected?
The projects are evaluated by the Fanm Yo La Committee, which considers:
- The relevance and pertinence of the project.
- The structure of the proposed objectives.
- The progress made so far.
- The real possibility of completing the work within the established time frame.
In the last call, for example, 26 proposals were received, and those that met all the criteria were selected.
Requirements for applying
Applicants must submit:
- A valid identity document (ID card, license, or passport).
- An updated CV.
- A motivation letter justifying the research topic, including the name of the university, faculty, and thesis advisor.
- A summary of the research project, preliminary table of contents, or progress made.
- A letter from the thesis advisor confirming academic support.
- A detailed timeline of the work planned for the six-month duration of the scholarship.
More than a scholarship: a commitment to change
The Fanm Yo La Scholarship is not just a response to the systemic violence faced by women. It is an act of resistance and affirmation of our lives.
In a context where they try to strip us of our dignity, our voices, and our history, it is essential that we remain steadfast.
Because we don’t just resist: we transform. We transform the structures of oppression, the narratives that have silenced us, and, above all, the future of our daughters and sisters.
Stay informed
Follow our social media to learn about the application opening dates and other important announcements.
