Doudly Elius received Young Haitian Leaders Award: Category Social Entrepreneurship

Doudly Elius, founder of Empower Haitian Women
Organization receiving the award from Revey Jenes

The first annual of Revèy Jenès event of Young Leaders took place Friday evening at the Karibe Hotel Convention Center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It was a great occasion to honor a few young Haitian Leaders since Friday 12th is the International Youth Day. Among the event’s 20 inspirational honorees were young Haitian leaders working in an array of domains from civil engagement, media, arts, youth employment, social entrepreneurship and justice.

Doudly Elius was honored with an award in the category of social entrepreneurship for his work in founding Empower Haitian Women (Association pour l’Autonomisation des Femmes Haitiennes à Mobilite Reduite) and addressing issues of inclusion, gender equity, and employability for women living with disabilities.

In Doudly’s address he remarked, “I believe it’s important to support women living with disabilities. If you ask, ‘why women?’ I will tell you that women are the economic foundation of our country, managing family, home, and financial obligations.” He attributes his success to his positive and constructive attitude, as well as his ability to turn his dreams into fuel to advance the lives of others. He also noted he has been fortunate to have the support of his family throughout his work.He never stops innovating, in 2014 he participated at the first and biggest international forum of 100 young leaders, ELAN 2014 where he met new professionals and who stimulated him to be more determined to make a difference in Haiti.

Enrolled in Administration at INAGHEI, his life took a turn with an unexpected diagnosis that left him with limited mobility in his legs. He was forced to take a break from school as he struggled to travel around Port-au-Prince or even leave his home. Doudly became acutely aware of the great barriers that existed for people in Haiti living with disabilities.

Rather than become depressed or reclusive, Doudly moved into action. In 2013, he applied for and participated in the Partners of the Americas Legislative Fellows program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. As a result, he entered into, and won, a U.S. State Department Program Alumni Exchange grant to run a project that would provide entrepreneurial training for women living with disabilities in Haiti, becoming the first ever Haitian winner of the Alumni Engagement and Innovation Fund competition.

The project idea has since evolved into an official association with 30 staff and volunteers offering educational, entrepreneurial, communication, leadership and computer skills training to women and girls living with disabilities throughout Port-au-Prince.

Speaking about his motivation Doudly notes, “I transformed my handicap into a reason to engage and inspire young people and people living with disabilities. If I can succeed, they can succeed.”

Singer Jean Jean Roosvelt & Doudly Elius

Also honored by the evening’s event were Jean-Pierre Adler, media category; Princesse Eud, BIC, artistic category; Jean Jean Roosevelt, artistic category, and Caleb Desrameaux, Deputy of Tabarre in office as Man of the State.

Jean Jean Roosevelt, honoured for his artistic contributions stated he was inspired by Doudly’s dynamism and positivity. The singer and francophone ambassador singing for the crowd sang “Ma Direction” for the crowd, a song from his last album of the same name.

Senator Louis Gerald Gilles was
so happy to meet Doudly Elius

Doudly’s closing remarks, directed at the youth in the room, focused on International Youth Day (August 12), a date designated by the U.N. to attract public attention to issues faced by youth. “Transform difficult situations; commit to impact others; be a model for young people,” he reminded the room. The Revèy Jenès first edition of Young Leaders comes at a time when the United Nations has placed special emphasis on youth engagement as it moves toward its 2030 sustainable development goals.

Famous female singer Princess Eud congratulating Doudly for his work with women living with disabilities
Princesse Eud real name is Eunide Edourin

                          Doudly & BIC (real name Roosevelt Saillant)

Deputy Caleb Desrameaux meeting with Doudly Elius

From Left Daniel Jean, Stephania Musset, Doudly Elius,Stephania Murielle, Migenson Elius and Amos Etienne
A few staff from Empower Haitian Women Organization supporting Doudly at this occasion
Karibe Convention Center-August 12th 2016 Port-au-Prince, Haiti