Since its inception in 2005 by Centre Arrupe (CA), AJAN affiliated Centre in Madagascar (MDG), the Programme Santé et Famille (PSF) (Health and Family Program (PSF))has been dedicated to promoting the values of a healthy and harmonious woman. In collaboration with AJAN, the PSF focuses on raising awareness and fostering mutual respect through its comprehensive educational initiatives, EVA and AHAPPY. These programs engage a broad audience—young people, parents, teachers, educators, and associations—by organizing extensive awareness campaigns on crucial themes and promoting Ignatian spirituality, including discernment and decision-making. Through this partnership, AJAN and Centre Arrupe are committed to nurturing a spirit of dialogue and common commitment within communities.

During the first half of 2024, the Programme Santé et Famille (PSF) was firmly committed to the fight against violence against girls and women in Madagascar, through a series of significant initiatives. 

A Step Towards Lasting Change

A series of trainings in Benasandratra, Alakamisy Fenoarivo, Antananarivo, from March 1 to 6, strengthened the capacities of participants in six dioceses, with the main theme “The ABCs of gender development”. The objective was to integrate and strengthen the activities of ACAMA on the fight against violence against girls and women (lutte contre des violences à l’égard des filles et des femmes-LVFF), particularly in the dioceses of Antananarivo, Ambanja, Farafangana, Fénérive-Est, Taolagnaro and Tuléar.

Awareness raising on Human Rights and the fight against Gender-Based Violence

Continuing this dynamic, a remarkable intervention took place during the radio program « Education à la Vie et à l’Amour »(EVA) (“Education for Life and Love”) of Radio Don Bosco, on March 7. Dr. Ratsiazo Sandra Njatomalala, a specialist in human rights, brilliantly popularized the legal texts promoting equality of human rights and the fight against gender-based violence.

To listen to the show: https://www.rdb.mg/fanabeazana/miaina-sy-mitia/20298-tantsoroka-sy-firaisan-kina-ho-an-ny-zon-ny-vehivavy.html

Menstrual Health Awareness

In partnership with the NGO My Period Station, another EVA show raised awareness on the importance of menstrual health management, highlighting CA MDG’s commitment to addressing critical issues for women.

To listen to the show: https://www.rdb.mg/fanabeazana/miaina-sy-mitia/21321-ny-vehivavy-miatrika-ny-fadim-bolana.html

Towards Empowerment and Equity

Actions continue not only on the fight against violence against women and the promotion of Gender Equality. CA MDG also supports families towards a model of mutual respect and common commitment. The training session in March on financial education aimed to financially empower participants, with the theme “Protect your money, secure your future”, covering essential topics such as budget management and savings products. Furthermore, knowing that one of the frequent problems in a family is inheritance, a conference on equity in the distribution of family inheritance was organized on April 20 to explore various aspects of inheritance distribution and highlighted the importance of equity and social justice.

These actions demonstrate CA MDG’s continued commitment to promoting gender equality and combating gender-based violence in Madagascar. They also highlight the positive and significant impact in society, strengthening the rights and well-being of women and families. We continue to work to advance these essential causes.

By, Communication Officer

Centre Arrupe, Madagascar (CA-MDG).