Entraide, délaissées – Express de Madagascar

Empowerment of women

The article, which appeared in the newspaper Express de Madagascar on 23 October 2009 is entitled “Entraide, délaissées par leur mari, elles s’enrichessentÀ and concerns a group of marginalised women in the Analanjorofo region. Although these women have been abandoned by their husbands, they have managed to empower themselves.

This article puts forward the challenges that women endure in rural environments where unmarried women face discrimination and prejudice. The story of Florentine Marcelle is one that breaks all stereotypes and shows how she has been able to set-up and run an organisation for women in similar situations. This organisation includes 30 members and, in order to respond to their practical and strategic needs, hosts a series of activities which encourage them to be self-sufficient and make money. These activities range from growing vegetables, maintaining a pig and chicken farm, and tending a rice field.  

Parts of Malagasy society look down on single women, especially in rural areas. They are viewed as women who have not succeeded as their husband has often left them on their own.

Through this article, the journalist recognises the importance of the activities these women take part in, as well as their importance as individuals in the society.

The organisation is now getting donor funding. The only voice that is missing in the article is that of the funder.

The article is also a positive response to a negative situation and a good example to show that despite a bad situation, change is possible.

Download : 12161_epowerement_of_women.doc