In the center: Mrs. Josiane Yaguibou and Mialy R. Razakandisa
State Palace of Ambohitsorohitra, Tuesday 27 February 2024. Mrs. Mialy R. Rajoelina, First Lady of the Republic of Madagascar, and Champion of the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), received, today, a delegation from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA in abbreviation English) in Madagascar, led by the Resident Representative, Ms. Josiane Yaguibou.
This meeting was of great importance because it made it possible to discuss, among other things, the program planned as part of the celebration of March 8, International Women’s Rights Day which will be held, for the Big Island, in the Atsinanana Region. Furthermore, the Champion of the fight against GBV reiterated her firm commitments to the common fight against violence against women and children as well as the fight against early marriage.
Both parties reaffirmed their desire to positively continue this struggle, by mutual agreement because, indeed, significant phases have been achieved in this struggle, such as:
– the establishment of a specialized center for the fight against GBV in Mahamasina accompanied by professional training and reintegration of victims;
– fruitful collaboration with public authorities including the Local Women’s Brigade and the National Gendarmerie, but also the Ministry of Justice and many others;
– the adoption of legal texts regarding gender-based violence and the establishment of the criminal justice system;
– raising awareness among populations about gender-based violence and its socio-economic and health consequences.
What is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)?
UNFPA is one of the four founding members of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG), established on March 17, 1997 by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, to strengthen the coherence of United Nations development procedures at the country level. Nowadays, it constitutes the largest source of international development funds for population, family planning and maternal and child health.
UNFPA’s mission is to achieve a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every young person realizes their full potential. UNFPA advocates for the realization of reproductive rights for all and supports access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services, including voluntary family planning, quality maternal health care and comprehensive sexuality education.
UNFPA acts in partnership with governments, other institutions and civil society to advance its mission. Two frameworks guide its activities: The Program of Action adopted at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development and the Millennium Development Goals, a set of eight targets aimed at reducing extreme poverty by 2015.
Regarding Madagascar, UNFPA has been present there since 1978. Currently, it is implementing its sixth cooperation program with the Government of Madagascar. UNFPA promotes national execution by aligning its interventions with national priorities to ensure national ownership.
Jeannot Ramambazafy
Sources: UNFPA New York and Madagascar, Fitia Association, Madagate archives
