Sambava, Madagascar - Angèle, a resident of the SAVA region, has emerged as a powerful voice advocating for women's rights and against gender-based violence (GBV). Her journey began with a deeply personal experience:

"I was a victim of retaliation from my in-laws because my husband helped me with the daily chores at home. My marriage was broken, and my husband has not come back to me for over ten years. Now, I am committed to raising awareness among women about their rights."

This experience spurred her transformation from survivor to advocate.

Following awareness campaigns conducted by social workers in Sambava, Angèle became dedicated to championing the rights of her peers. These campaigns, facilitated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with support from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), play a crucial role in educating communities about GBV prevention.

Through CERF funding, UNFPA collaborates with the Ministry of Population to deploy social workers to affected communities, particularly in shelter sites. These social workers conduct awareness-raising activities on GBV prevention and provide critical psychosocial support to those in need. This intervention aims to mitigate GBV risks and bolster the resilience of women within the communities. Angèle's advocacy is a testament to the effectiveness of these programs and the strength of individuals who are empowered to become agents of change.