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Haiti: Marie Yolène Gilles Honored by U.S. Embassy as Woman of Courage

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (defend.ht) - Human Rights Activist Mary Gilles Yolène, on Tuesday was honored at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince being distinguished as the 2012 Woman of Courage to Haiti.

Madame Gilles, Spokeswoman for the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) was presented with the award by Daniel Foote, the charge d'affaires of the United States, according to the Haiti Press Network.

The event was attended by personalities from civil society and family members of Gilles.

Madam Gilles said she shares the prize with all Haitian women who have been fighting since 1986 for the emergence of a society based on equality and the empowerment of Haitian women. "I salute their courage, the work they have and continue to provide in feminist organization," said Ms. Gilles.

"This honor is not only mine today that I vest in me the enthusiasm necessary to continue this work on behalf of Haitian women" argued Mary Yolène which reacted after being distinguished.

The Public Affairs Counselor of the U.S. Embassy, ​​Jon Piechowski, who was speaking at the occasion said that "all democracies need men and women of courage, and unwavering commitment to the values ​​of the Haitian Revolution and the Republic, Marie Gilles Yolène provided as an example."

Marie Yolène Gille began her career as a journalist for Radio Cacique, she went into exile in 1989 following the arrest of his mother and a niece. Returned to Haiti, Marie Yolène was arrested in 1992 on the military regime that ousted President Jean Bertrand Aristide.