A Few Gourdes, A Lot of Injustice: The Sacrificed Dignity of Haitian Waitresses

In Haiti’s bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, they are everywhere yet almost invisible. With forced smiles, hurried steps, and trays in hand, waitresses embody a service essential to the urban economy. But behind this facade lies a brutal reality: one of the most precarious jobs in the country, where survival too often overrides dignity.

In Haiti, being a waitress does not guarantee a salary. Most of these workers receive no fixed pay. Their income depends on a sales percentage system that is both erratic and deeply unfair. An entire night of work—sometimes from 6:00 PM to midnight or later—can result in just a few dozen gourdes.

“One night, I worked from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM and went home with 75 gourdes. I paid for transport and had nothing left. The next day, my children had no breakfast,” confides Mireille, 27, a waitress in Port-au-Prince.

Selling five beers to earn 50 gourdes—barely enough for a commute—is common. This financial instability plunges many women into permanent insecurity. Many are mothers and heads of households, solely responsible for their children’s education and food.

Beyond economic hardship, there is a constant exposure to abuse. “The customer believes he is buying more than just drinks,” says Sandra, 23. “If you refuse certain advances, they stop consuming, and the boss blames you for driving the customer away. You’re stuck between your dignity and the fear of losing your job.”

Even more revolting is that these women are professionals. Many hold degrees in tourism or hospitality, yet they work without contracts or insurance. In 2025, this situation is indefensible. Defending Haitian waitresses means refusing to accept misery as fate and affirming that social justice remains a non-negotiable fight.