The conflict behind the kidnapping of Gena Heraty from an orphanage in Haiti

Gena Heraty (left) had been overseeing the Sainte-Helene orphanage in the commune of Kenscoff, about 10km southeast of the capital, Port-au-Prince before she was abducted. Photo: NPH Haiti Special Needs Programs/Facebook

"You can't run from bullets in a straight skirt." Those words were recalled by kidnapped humanitarian Gena Heraty in 2023 when she wrote an article for the Mayo News.

It was a reference to a casual conversation with a female work colleague when Gena commented that she looked lovely in her matching skirt and blouse.