American Chamber of Commerce in Madagascar .
As a rapper, I live in a world full of bias, stereotypes, jealousy, and violence. Some rap songs can even portray a shocking image of women and contain a lot of misogynistic language. And it is not just rap; gender stereotypes are abundant in popular music.
I do not see myself as a role model but I take a different approach in my songs. I do rap with no concession by talking about social issues concerning women. You can talk about love while remaining sincere and still having what we call "street credibility"; but you can also avoid talking about women in a vulgar way or showing degrading images of women in videos. Besides, there is also a need to propose high-quality and well-scripted musical products in order to highlight certain taboos in our society. I do not claim to be a saint; I just want to propose music that will address the themes that some artists will never have the courage to tackle like suicide, religions, inter-ethnic relations etc.
I do not practise a consciousness form of rap or anything like that because I don't put myself in a box and I am not giving lectures on morality to anyone. I just make music that depicts the true reality while avoiding to be an intellectual rapper. But I am not ashamed to say it, I get my inspiration from the streets, my life experience and at the same time from the library.
Gender, a word that gets all of us confused! Gender refers to the socially constructed characteristics of women, men, girls and boys. That is the universal definition of gender, so let us stick to that!
When we say “gender-based discrimination”, here is the universal explanation. Gender discrimination describes the situation in which people are treated differently simply because they are male or female, rather than on the basis of their individual skills or capabilities.
We are all influenced by gender norms. Boys will be boys; girls belong to the kitchen. But here is the good news: we evolve. So do our way of thinking and our behavior.
Unfortunately, not everyone wants to cope with this evolution, and not everyone wants gender equity to go far. That is why, every single day when I wake up, I fight against stereotypes, gender stereotypes. And it starts with the way I interact with my children.
I created a program tailored for men and boys and launched the MenEngage Madagascar network (which is part of the MenEngage Africa Alliance). It is a feminist network that believes in men and boys as allies for gender equity. Since 2016, C-for-C a local NGO that I am leading has played the role of secretariat for that network. We are implementing many actions aiming at changing men and boys’ behavior and providing psychological help for perpetrators of violence.
Involving men and boys in the fight against gender discrimination might sound strange. How can we involve perpetrators of discrimination in a fight against discrimination itself? Trust me, from my experience since 2016, this approach works and makes significant impact!
Men can be allies too. When we talk about gender and gender discrimination, we do not talk about women only. We are talking about men and women.
What it is to be an early career woman – looking much younger than her age [next time to complain about that one] – trying to make her way in a male-dominated field!
My experience shows that gender inequality is real across the finance field. Needless to say who the system is disadvantaging. When I started in the industry, my first instincts were to arm myself with – not weapons – two key points driving my state of mind.
Confidence. It is not easy to build a loaded package of confidence for work, especially when you look like a 16-year-old girl, a woman of color, and a small-height-for-age. But I guess preparation is key to build strong confidence. Get prepared for every meeting, plan your next move and work ahead of time. With great preparation, speaking up in a meeting being the only female – it is common in the industry - would be a cup of tea.
Not viewing other women as competitors. It is easy to fall into this because there are so few of us, and we are all trying to get to the top. The automatic feeling when we meet a new female colleague would be that we are threatened. However, we have no choice but to go over that if we want to overcome the challenge. Let us try our best to support each other, build each other up, and empower one another.
One day, I came across an interesting article of Harvard Business Review. Let me quote: “it is time to stop telling women to work harder and to adapt – when it is the environment that has to change”. It made me realize that the root cause of gender equality issues is the system. We all should, as aware as we are – and by “we”, I am mentioning both men and women - give efforts to break this system. Leaders in finance may consider to first acknowledging that gender gap is real, document properly on the related causes, in order to take suitable actions.
By Era Andriambololona, Investment Analyst
New funding supports thousands of people impacted by Madagascar’s fourth major storm in a month.
ANTANANARIVO – The American people, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), are aiding 9,000 people affected by Tropical Cyclone Emnati in the hard-hit communes of Manakara District in Fitovinany region.
The $100,000 in humanitarian funding given to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) will provide people displaced by the storm with urgently needed shelter; household items like pots, pans, buckets, water treatment tablets, hygiene products, tarps; and home repair items. This support ensures that people whose homes were heavily damaged by the storm will have a safe place to live until more permanent housing can be built.
“The United States remains committed to helping the Malagasy people as they recover from extensive damages following the country’s fourth major storm in a month,” U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Amy Hyatt said. "We are working together with Madagascar as 'Mpirahalahy mianala' to help affected families meet their basic survival needs and recuperate from these hardships."
This aid builds on prior U.S. government humanitarian assistance for people affected by these storms, including support for over 10,000 people affected by Tropical Cyclone Batsirai. The U.S. government continues to monitor the humanitarian impacts of recent storms and cyclones. The United States is the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Madagascar, providing more than $80 million in humanitarian assistance since September 2020.-
Press Release by U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo - USAID Madagascar
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Nivo Jewels and Precious Stones is a woman-led company. From my experience as a woman entrepreneur and designer, I can tell you that women can come up with extraordinary ideas. Women are way more tolerant than men and are more likely to make compromises. My employees who craft the jewelries we are selling are mostly talented young men who work hard to provide for their families. Beyond our professional relationships, we maintain closer and more personal affinities. As their manager, I can be strict but understanding at the same time, like a mother would be. Women entrepreneurs like me acknowledge how challenging it is to manage their careers and make sure their families do not feel left out. There are times I decide to focus on spending quality time with my husband and kids and leave my business aside. I would clearly turn off my phone. Women in business must learn how to manage their times and constantly seek how to improve their organizational skills. Many women think that they are not as mentally strong as men and are incapable of achieving great things. But we can demonstrate how effective we are in order to build trust and succeed in whatever we do. If I had a few messages to women, I would tell them not to consider themselves weak. Disagree to be called “fanaka malemy.” Instead, we are the roots, we are the foundations. Be patient and never give up. Make hope and faith your fuel. Stay positive and tell yourself you will reach your goals. Don’t get me wrong; I am not saying that women do not need men. I am just saying that women can move mountains; we are trustworthy and responsible. This year, on International Women’s Day, let us break the bias. Let us work confidently with women at every professional level and stop any form of gender-based discrimination. |
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“Together, let’s celebrate our differences” The world is made up of people, with their own differences: gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation. That affects our life experiences, how we perceive the world around us, and how we are perceived by others. At Rio Tinto we are working every day to build a workplace that is safe and inclusive. We have developed preventive strategies and programs to break the bias, stereotypes, and discrimination: the family and domestic violence program and the Raise your voice platform. In support of this, the Everyday Respect task force was launched in early 2021 to better understand, prevent and respond to harmful behaviors in the workplace, like bullying, sexual harassment and racism. As part of women's contribution value, at QMM level we are very proud to have as many women as men in senior management in strategic positions. In technical positions, we do have women leaders acting as supervisors at the laboratory. The logistic transport at the fixed plant is led by a woman. The geologist supervisors are 100% women. These are some examples within the company. We would add the “Woman in Mining” program to develop and to highlight women in the mining sector. In this program, we are in collaboration with the mining companies in Madagascar. Finally, QMM offers an 18-week fully-paid parental leave that can be shared between parents. This is a positive option in an organization that recognizes and embraces diversity, and represents a significant investment in its employees. “When I joined QMM, I was quite concerned, as the mining sector is considered a "male world". Being a young woman above all at the highest level of the company! However, I quickly realized how lucky I was to be part of a multi-generational and gender-balanced team where my contributions are valued.” |
One of the keys towards success in today’s business world is a company’s capability to embrace diversity. We live in a fast pace environment that requires adaptability at all levels to survive. At the time of my grandparents, I would have never imagined it possible, as a woman, to be able to lead a company much less dare to speak out in Madagascar. In fact, at MesEditions, a publishing and communication house, we highly value the importance of having an open mind which can be felt through our recruitment processes. Not only it is good for business, but we cannot let the elders’ sacrifices go in vain, for we “women” have the freedom we have today, because of their resilience to stand up for our right.
Still let’s not be delusional because bias, stereotypes, inequalities, discriminations, you name it, are still felt in various areas of our life. International Women’s Day is one of the reminders that it is everyone’s problem to keep the progress moving towards freedom. As an individual or as a company we should be intentional on making diversity a priority. To give you an idea, at our company we hire on merit-based and strive in building a diversified team where we have a balanced staff that are composed of 50 percent men and women. It is true that as an island it is challenging to impose diversity and change of habits and in time we committed in conducting diversity training to all new hires and create an atmosphere through our languages and décor that sends an inclusive vibe.
This year’s International Women Day’s theme is to #BreakTheBias. As a women leader in an African country, I sometimes feel like I have to prove myself more because of the bias, that we women are too emotional or unreliable because we constantly have women problems. Let it be our hormones playing tricks on us or our household responsibilities that becomes a barrier for our career growth. It does not mean that women are inferior or not allowed to have the freedom to become who they want to be. MesEditions have so many talented women who are hard workers, peacemakers, and miracle doers. It is through our differences that we grow, because a wise person knows there is something to be learned from everyone. Since our line of work permits it, we equally support all team members by working based on result which allows for time flexibility. Again with the open mind value, it does not mean that one person works from 8 am to 5 pm that this justifies productivity and success.
“Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will.” Nelson Mandela - I encourage all The AmCham Post readers to #BreakTheBias, celebrate our differences and understand that it is our responsibility as a citizen to leave this world better than how we found it.
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A major operator in the textile and clothing sector in the Indian Ocean and over the international market, the Socota Group, directed by female leaders, is moving forward with resilience and keeps on meeting the requirements of major brands. Mrs. Véronique Auger, the Chief Executive Officer, has won and upheld the trust of some major customers such as Orchestra, Camaieu, Marks & Spencer, Woolworths, Truworths, Zara, GIII etc. Mrs. Josiane RANDRIANITOVINA, the Chief Human Resources Officer, has strengthened the Socota family through the development of the Group's human capital. Many women have pursued and succeeded in their careers as well as their lives as women, wives and mothers. In harmony with the special requirements provided by the local labor code in favor of pregnant and feeding mothers, their working hours are also facilitated in the company for their benefits. In average, they are of 25-35 years of age. The group provides a feeding room labeled “Amis des bébés” in its enclosure meaning “Friendly with Babies” where mothers can breastfeed their babies. Out of 7,000 employees in Socota, 51% are women. 37% of the staff, department heads and managers are women which counts 200 out of 535. Meritocracy is one of the management principles of the Socota Group, no discrimination of gender, nationality, culture or religion. Relying on women is part of the Socota group's recipe for success. Women motivate their employees, are organized, rigorous and contribute greatly to the efficiency and success of the organization. As fully results-oriented and balanced, their empathy and their ability to mobilize have developed a sense of family belonging. A training center “Talent Factory”, inaugurated in 2012, also managed by a woman, offers various trainings adapted to the requirements and skills for all departments. Everybody has access to the training and skills development. After all, the digitalization is a field in the era where many women participate actively and are being leaders of several projects. We are grateful for this equity concern which has driven the Chairman of the Socota Group, Mr. Salim ISMAIL and the CEO, Mrs. Véronique AUGER. Their positive view of granting opportunities for women to move up the professional ladder has opened up great opportunities for equitable careers for all. The feminine hint and strength have greatly contributed to the Group's capacity for resilience in this complex, difficult and uncertain context. |
This donation of 4,800 doses to treat blood clotting complements the U.S. government’s response to COVID-19 in Madagascar.
ANTANANARIVO – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), on behalf of the American people, has donated to the Ministry of Public Health 4,800 doses of an important medicine used to treat people with severe cases of COVID-19.
This medicine, valued at 144,000,000 Ariary ($36,000 USD) is used to prevent and treat blood clots (thrombosis) that can block the normal circulation of blood, a condition that is common in severe cases of COVID-19.
"Since the early days of the pandemic, the United States has supported COVID-19 response efforts in Madagascar and we will continue to do so,” said Sophia Brewer, Director of USAID Madagascar’s health office.
“The U.S. government and the Government of Madagascar are like ‘Mpirahalahy mianala’ in responding to COVID-19 in Madagascar. We are steadfastly committed to strengthening Madagascar's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to the coronavirus disease," said Director Brewer.
The Ministry of Public Health's Secretary General and Director General in charge of Health Care Supplies received this life-saving medication from USAID'S IMPACT health project, which PSI Madagascar operates.
This is USAID’s latest donation in a series of efforts to augment Madagascar’s response to COVID-19 and treat people who have fallen ill with the disease. Previous USAID donations include a generator to the Boeny Regional Public Health Directorate to ensure the safe storage of vaccines; water containers and sanitation supplies for COVID-19 Treatment Centers in Antananarivo; and disinfectant products and personal protective equipment for various regional public health offices.
Since March 2020, the U.S. government has provided Madagascar with assistance valued at more than 51 billion Ariary ($13 million USD) to support the fight against COVID-19.
USAID’s IMPACT project is building up Madagascar’s supply chain for health products, specifically in the areas of maternal and child health, malaria control, and family planning. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, USAID expanded the role of the IMPACT project to include providing vaccines, medicine, supplies, and equipment for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. The project also supports COVID-19 awareness raising activities, and data collection and sharing.
Through USAID, the U.S. government is supporting the delivery and rollout of vaccines, expanding infectious disease testing, providing protective equipment and training for Madagascar’s health workers, raising awareness about healthy behaviors, and upgrading and expanding laboratories. In addition, the United States is the largest donor of COVID-19 vaccines to Madagascar and the largest donor to COVAX worldwide.
Press Release and Pictures by U.S. Embassy Antananarivo / USAID Madagascar
ANTANANARIVO – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), on behalf of the American people, is rolling out the first in a series of planned activities to help those affected by Cyclone Batsirai. USAID is providing humanitarian funding to the non-governmental organization CARE to furnish temporary housing, clean water, and basic household items for 1,500 people currently living in evacuation sites.
“The United States and Madagascar are like ‘Mpirahalahy mianala,’ through good times and bad,” U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Amy Hyatt said. “We mourn alongside you the death and destruction caused by Cyclone Batsirai. This $100,000 contribution is just the beginning of a series of assistance activities planned by USAID to help communities devastated by the storm to recover and rebuild.”
The humanitarian support will provide shelter and daily household items like pots, pans, buckets, utensils and more, to people whose homes have been too heavily damaged, giving them somewhere to live and equipment to use until more permanent housing can be rebuilt. The safety and privacy of women and girls in these accommodations will be a priority.
The U.S. government will also increase the availability of safe drinking water, help people treat and safely store their water, hand out menstrual health hygiene kits to 300 women and girls, and raise awareness about the need for good hygiene.
USAID staff in Madagascar, South Africa, and Washington, D.C., continue to monitor the humanitarian impacts of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai in close coordination with the U.S. Embassy and humanitarian partners.
The United States is the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Madagascar, providing more than $50 million in humanitarian assistance in 2021, including life-saving emergency food and other assistance to address food insecurity in the Madagascar’s drought stricken south and millions of vaccines and other support for the country’s COVID-19 pandemic response.
Press Release by U.S. Embassy Antananarivo - USAID Madagascar
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