The earthquake in Haiti has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom now live huddled together under tarps and tents. Nearly five months after the earthquake, streetlights remain in disrepair and the electrical grid is without much power. The lack of lighting in housing camps exacerbates an already fragile security situation. Women in these camps feel unsafe walking at night, as rape and incidents of physical abuse are rising in number. Community groups in these areas-- labeled “red zones” by international groups shortly after the earthquake-- are only now being approached by relief organizations to improve aid distribution and post-earthquake reconstruction.

Citizen Effect is working with Earthspark International to distribute solar-powered lamps to women in these camps, harnessing local community groups to prioritize distribution to those most in need. The initiative focuses on camps located in Cité Soleil, one of the poorest slums in Port-au-Prince and a red zone in which more than half the population feels unsafe at night. Providing adequate lighting for the women of Cité Soleil and greater Port-au-Prince will make it safer for them to travel at night by reducing the possibility of physical abuse from nightly attackers. In addition, female survivors of the earthquake to can be empowered to organize patrols to protect themselves and their families with light from their solar lamps.

This project will help the women of Cité Soliel by providing them with the ability to read, work, and conduct activities after sunset with safety and comfort. Monmouth Greek Week has pledged to raise $200 which will provide 14 solar powered lamps to women in need. As one of the camp residents, Madame Pierre, related to EarthSpark: “The lamp is very useful. I use it when I need to go out at night.”

The community of Cité Soleil, a shantytown on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, was one of the communities most affected by the January 2010 earthquake. With an estimated population of 350,000 people, Cité Soleil is the most densely populated area of Port-au-Prince and among the poorest areas in the entire country. After the earthquake, many of Cite Soleil’s homes were destroyed and families displaced. Security continues to be a problem, and sexual violence accounts for 30 percent of crimes. In many ways, Cité Soleil epitomizes the plight and hope for Haiti’s recovery. Over the last decade, Cité Soleil has been the site for several large-scale interventions requiring international aid.

Community member details not available yet.

Direct Impact of Your Project

• Provides 14 women with a durable, sustainable, and easy-to-use solar lamp

• Allows 14 female earthquake survivors to safely move about the camp at night

• Gives women and their families the ability to read, work, and conduct activities after sunset with safety and comfort

• Protects families from the dangers of kerosene lamps and candles that are fire and environmental hazards

• Allows families to save about $50 per year (in fuel costs for traditional kerosene lamps)

Extended Impact on Your Partner Community

• Empowers female survivors of the earthquake to organize patrols to protect themselves and their families with light from their solar lamps

• Provides women who do not yet have solar lamps with an escort service so they can safely move about the settlements at night 

• Significantly improves safety within the community by reducing the use of hazardous light and energy sources

• Improves security among the communities of displaced earthquake survivors and reduces the threat of gender-based violence