Chilove

A Voice for Human Rights in Petit Trou

Chilove lives in the mountain town of Gran Ravine, a few miles inland from the center of town in Petit Trou. Age 18 and in her senior year of high school (called Philo in Haiti) Chilove walks down a narrow, winding, rocky path to reach her destination at the state high school in town. Chilove’s father passed away several months ago, leaving her and her mother to care for her siblings. Her mother is a small business woman, buying products from farmers and getting them to the market. Chilove helps her mother as much as possible, and remains committed to finishing school as well. As shown in the on above photo, even through a mask her smile and energy is contagious.

Since the GEM (Girls Empowerment & Mentoring) Program began in 2016, Chilove has been an active participant, performing and speaking at talent shows and public events, offering input and feedback on program design, and engaging her family and siblings in community activities around the importance of equal rights. It was striking to hear the language Chilove used when asked about the meaning of the GEM Program.

“Really, I always knew that girls were just as capable, as smart, as worthy as boys. I always felt that we had the same value. GEM didn’t teach me that, I already knew that. What GEM taught me is that it’s OK to say it. And it taught me how to say it, too. How to look for the tools available to make change in my own community. I believe that girls’ rights are human rights, and no matter what I do when I group up, I know that a fight for human rights will be a part of my path.”