Celebration of the International Day for the elimination of violence against women and launch of the national campaign for the sixteen days of activism against Gender-Based Violence

The Ministry of Population and Social Affairs in partnership with the United Nations System and the National Platform for Action to Combat Gender-Based Violence launches today the 16-day National Campaign to Fight Violence Against Women. The theme of this year's campaign is "A promise is a promise: it is time to take action to end violence against women." 

The official celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of All Forms of Violence against Women and the launching of the 16 days of activism took place in the rural commune of Ranotsara in the Ihoromberegion in the presence of the Minister of Population and Social Affairs Olga Ramaroson . The municipality of Ranotsara was chosen because of the resurgence of cases of violence against women in the Ihorombe region. This celebration falls within the framework of Madagascar's contribution to the African Women's Decade and the “UNITE: Unite to End Violence Against Women” campaign. On the occasion of the official celebration, several awareness-raising activities against violence against women and girls were carried out. 

"Gather our efforts to fight against the loss of Malagasy values and the harmful practices of traditions and Customs that promote humiliation and violence against women, "said Olga Ramaroson, Minister of Population and Social Affairs. 

The campaign of the 16 days of activism will provide an opportunity for strong advocacy to accelerate the establishment of national mechanisms for prevention and response to gender-based violence. It will also involve drawing the attention of national, regional and local decision-makers to the need to make effective mechanisms for the prevention and management of gender-based violence in Madagascar. During the campaign, a number of activities are planned, including a debate on the impunity of the aggressors on 9 December and awareness-raising sessions by volunteers. A radio drama on the RNM, infomercials, a radio spot and a TV spot will also be broadcast. Finally, the morning show of the RTA on December 2 will be devoted to gender-based violence

Violence against women and girls remains a scourge that has devastating costs and consequences for survivors' lives, for society and the economy. Gender-based violence is not only a blatant violation of human rights, but also an expression of existing social inequalities between men and women. Violence against women and girls can have serious consequences for their health; it restricts their freedoms, their scope, their productivity and thus undermines their participation in development, peace, security and poverty reduction. "Better laws must be developed and implemented to prevent gender-based violence and support for victims, "said Fatma Samoura, United Nations Resident Coordinator. She called on police and judicial authorities to work with government, civil society and international partners to address the root causes of violence against women and girls, support victims, and bring the perpetrators to justice. 

The most common forms of gender-based violence in Madagascar are domestic violence, sexual violence such as rape, sexual harassment and procuring. In Madagascar, legislation has been enacted to condemn the violence and to strengthen the technical capacities of the service providers for survivors. In addition, response and prevention mechanisms supported by the United Nations system, such as the Listening and Legal Counselling Centres, Legal Clinics, the Child Protection Network and the National Platform for the Fight against Gender based violence. 

In spite of the progress made, many challenges remain. Most surviving women and girls do not dare to report crimes or seek help. They suffer in silence and in shame, while their tormentors live in freedom. Impunity remains the norm more than the exception. Given the magnitude of this phenomenon, it is urgent to act now. The National Campaign for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence aims to reinvigorate the fight against violence against women and of girls.