By Ny Hasina
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a grave violation of human rights, deeply rooted in gender inequalities, the abuse of power, and entrenched discrimination. While GBV affects individuals of all genders, women disproportionately bear the brunt of this social injustice. In Madagascar, particularly in rural areas, GBV is perpetuated by cultural norms and practices that normalize and justify violence against women.
In Malagasy society, GBV is shrouded in silence, upheld by traditional beliefs that dismiss it as an ordinary part of male-female relationships. One glaring example is the cultural bias favoring male children over female children. The traditional oratory art, Kabary, often reinforces this disparity. Parents are celebrated for the birth of a son, seen as a blessing, while the birth of a daughter is met with disappointment. A common Malagasy proverb, “Naniry zaza ka tera-dahy”—“You have been wishing for a child, and here you are blessed with a son”—encapsulates this gender preference.
Rural women, already marginalized by cultural and economic factors, face compounded challenges due to climate change and systemic inequality. They must travel farther than ever to fetch water and firewood, yet they are denied the right to inherit land, pushing them into forced and early marriages. These unions often lead to further land-grabbing and lifelong hardships, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and oppression. For many, this existence is accepted as “women’s fate.”
“It is not enough to talk about GBV as a women’s issue—it is a societal issue that requires everyone’s involvement,” says a participant in a recent community outreach session organized by RWA Madagascar.
To break this cycle, RWA Madagascar is leading efforts to raise awareness about GBV and empower rural women through education and capacity-building programs. Over the past three months, 200 new members have received training on recognizing and combating GBV. These sessions aim to dismantle harmful cultural norms and equip women with the tools to demand their rights.
However, the challenge remains immense. Engaging men in the fight against GBV is crucial to creating lasting change. RWA Madagascar has started outreach programs targeting male partners, encouraging them to advocate for gender equality and influence their communities. Media campaigns and school programs further disseminate knowledge, fostering a culture of respect and equality from a young age.
At a higher level, RWA Madagascar is working to involve authorities in open debates on GBV. By presenting the results of their initiatives, they aim to secure institutional support and guidance for sustained action.
The journey to eradicate GBV is a long one, but with collective efforts, Madagascar can begin to dismantle the entrenched systems that perpetuate violence and inequality. Together, we can build a society where every woman, rural or urban, can live free from fear and discrimination.
