The Movement of Dominican-Haitian Women (MUDHA)

The Movement of Dominican-Haitian Women (MUDHA) works provides programs in health, education, citizenship and self-esteem for Dominican women and children of Haitian descent. 

MUDHA Programs

MUDHA works in 13 bateyes, former sugar plantations housing settlements, which almost half of the million Haitian immigrants and Dominicans of Haitian descent call home.  MUDHA supports bateyes communities by creating independent community schools where the teachers and volunteers are members of that community, ensuring the school’s long term sustainability. MUDHA holds programs for community members in areas such as health, education, human rights, gender equality & domestic violence, self-esteem, and citizenship.

After the 2010 earthquake MUDHA, played a critical role immediately responding to survivors needs. MUDHA sent convoys of aid and health care workers. Through their programs and community support, MUDHA continues to help victims of the earthquake.

Why the need?

Since 1937, when the president of the Dominican Republic ordered the extermination of all Haitians within the country resulting in the death of 15,000 people of Haitian descent, Haitian immigrants and those of Haitian descent have endured the constant stigma, risk of expulsion, and discrimination. This turmoil is seen throughout the bateyes, former sugar plantation housing settlements, which most of the half million Haitian immigrants and Dominicans of Haitian descent call home. The bateyes are among the poorest communities within the Dominican Republic – they often lack the basic necessities of running water and electricity. The children that live within these communities are denied enrollment in the public school system because they are denied the legal identification papers not only necessary to enroll in school, but to receive healthcare and other public services.

The 2010 earthquake led to the death of 100,000 people and an estimated 3 million victims are left without electricity, food, clean water, and medical care. Thousands of people were left homeless and in an effort to escape the destruction of their communities, crossed the border into neighboring Dominican Republic. With the influx of Haitians in the Dominican Republic, MUDHA plays a critical role in providing support for Haitian communities.

How Team Efforts Translate to Impact

100% of NGC funds will support MUDHA’s school, the Anaisa Community School. Funds will help provide workshops and trainings for women and girls in the community. The Anaisa Community School not only provides education to children but it also provides support to parents of students, most of whom are under 23, in vocational training, health workshops, and educational seminars.

How MUDHA Creates Sustainable Global Change