Documentary highlighting the crucial role of women in Haiti's economy to screen in Greensboro

A documentary will screen in Greensboro this month that explores the stories of Haitian women, known as Madan Sara, who play a pivotal role in the country’s economy. They are in charge of managing all the logistics of bringing food and other essentials to the local market in Haiti. 

Etant Dupain, the director of the documentary Madan Sara, says they're the link between farmers and consumers.

"For example, the farmer's produce, Madan Sara goes and picks it up and brings it to the market," he says. "Everything that goes to the market, Madan Sara’s have to do that." 

Dupain is the son of a Madan Sara. He says their business model has been kept alive thanks to their knowledge of commerce being passed to their children and family members as a way to invest in the next generation. 

"One of the reasons I made the film is to tell that larger story because they’re not only important to the economy and making sure the country is in good shape, they are also the ones in the forefront of raising their family and the kids," he says. "The level of sacrifice that you have to make to be a successful Madan Sara is enormous."

The film highlights the challenges facing Madan Sara — violence, a lack of transportation, and resources. They don’t receive government assistance and are often at the mercy of loan sharks. Fire is also a threat to their goods. And when they lose their product, they have little recourse.

"This is something that we need to have a larger debate about and that as a society we need to find a solution, urgently, quickly because I don't believe we have a way forward, I don't believe we will be able to develop the country if we keep half of the country oppressed," he says.

The documentary will screen on February 28, 2023, and registration is required. 

This story was produced by a partnership between WFDD and La Noticia. 

Eileen Rodriguez is a reporter for both WFDD and La Noticia through Report for America, where she covers COVID-19's impact in the Latino Communities.

Periodista de La Noticia y 88.5 WFDD, Eileen Rodríguez reporta el impacto de COVID-19 en la comunidad Latina en Carolina del Norte. Rodríguez es miembro del cuerpo de periodistas de Report for America 2021-2022