where we work.

vulnerability of women

"Women face particularly difficult conditions. Legally, women are not allowed to cut cane, although some do (relying on a male co-worker to process the cut cane for payment). They are permitted to live in [State Sugar Council (CEA)] housing in the bateyes only if they are married to or living with a cane worker. If they separate from the worker and have no male children of cane-cutting age, they can be ejected from CEA housing. More pressingly, aside from earning wages cutting cane, few avenues to earn money are available. Many sell coal or sweets or do laundry for pay. Others abandoned by a male must turn to prostitution to feed themselves and their children. They are also subject to sexual violence from Dominican army, police and camp guards and Haitian workers, with little legal recourse."

- National Coalition for Haitian Rights report, "Beyond the Bateyes"