March 27th, 2025
“What struck me was that I realized that there is nothing you can’t do, as long as you have the will and are willing to make sacrifices”
Phalanda, age 32, is a single mother of two living in Anse-à-Galets on the island of La Gonave, Haiti. In 2024, Phalanda was chosen by Rasin Devlopman to participate in a new program called Yon Fanm, Yon Metye (One Woman, One Trade), which would provide her with six months of training in a vocational career. Phalanda chose to study plumbing.
The labor force in Haiti is highly gendered. According to a World Bank report from 2023, 28% of women in rural areas like La Gonave are not engaged in education, employment, or training. That number gets even higher in urban areas.
“Although girls’ education levels are catching up to those of boys, women in Haiti are less likely to be active in the labor market, more likely to be searching for work, more likely to be in informal employment, and relatively segregated into particular sectors,” the report says.
Don’t forget—when you support Haitian women this month, you get MATCHED 1:1 thanks to generous donations from Mark & Jamie Summers and Brenda Huneycutt!
Women are often domestic workers or in service jobs–while men dominate in fields like agriculture, construction, transportation, technical activities, and utilities. The World Bank reports that “cognitive, socio-emotional, and in-demand technical skills are important for successful school-to-work transitions by young women, but women can also benefit from role models and information to support labor market entry.”
Phalanda’s decision to go into plumbing was a challenge, but also an opportunity to break down social and psychological barriers. Through the training she received through Yon Fanm, Yon Metye, Phalanda gained valuable skills that helped build her self-confidence as well as access new economic opportunities.
Today, Phalanda feels stronger and more confident, ready to take on any challenge life throws at her. Her story is an inspiration to other women in her community. By choosing to invest in a non-traditional field for women, she has demonstrated that there are no limits to what you can accomplish when you believe in yourself. Phalanda is a model of courage and perseverance–proving that determination, accompanied by good opportunities, can overcome any barrier.
“I now have more strength and willpower to move forward in my life,” Phalanda said proudly. Her plumbing skills provide her with financial stability and allow her to contribute positively to her community. This new skill becomes a gateway to a more peaceful and promising future for her and her children. By choosing plumbing, Phalanda has found a way to strengthen her self-confidence and hope for a better future. “I think this profession will bring many positive things into my life and help me improve my living conditions,” she added with a hopeful smile.
Help us support Rasin Devlopman’s women’s programming on the island of La Gonave—projects that are happening right now, despite the current crisis in Haiti and the US foreign aid freeze—at rootsofdevelopment.org/donate/. If you missed Shedlyne’s story of breaking gender norms earlier this month, click here.
Sincerely,
Chad Bissonnette
President & Co-Founder
P.S., If you’re looking for an update on where things stand with the US foreign aid freeze, you can find a regularly updated timeline at rootsofdevelopment.org/usaid-freeze-timeline-updated/.
Thank you to the Debley Foundation for their partnership on Rasin’s women’s programming!