Empowering women to speak up and prevent Gender-Based Violence

CERF | Madagascar | 2024

Sambava, Madagascar – Angèle has emerged as a powerful voice advocating for women's rights and against gender-based violence (GBV).

In the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Gamane in March 2024, the Central Emergency Response Fund made a ‘Rapid Response’ allocation to assist over 50,000 affected people in the worst affected areas, including Sava.

As often happens after natural disasters, the risk of GBV increases amid the chaos and disruption. At the same time, women’s health needs – including for prenatal care – continue as normal. UNFPA mobilized with partners to provide GBV management, educate communities on abuse and exploitation, and provide reproductive health and dignity kits and mobile midwives.

For Angèle, she explains, responding to GBV was a personal issue. Years ago, her in-laws targeted her. "I suffered retaliation from my in-laws because my husband used to help 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, and she welcomed the opportunity to attend UNFPA’s trainings to help women like her.

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.

Now, Angele is a community advocate, taking part and sharing the information she learns about women’s rights and how to access support, with other women in the community.

This intervention aims to mitigate GBV risks and bolster the resilience of women here, before, during, and after the next disaster.

Posted June 2025

Adapted from an original story by UNFPA

More information about the CERF allocation to Madagascar.

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