Title: “In Antsirabe, the Mazava association offers new hope to women in difficulty”
Introduction :
In Madagascar’s agro-industrial capital, Antsirabe, women face many challenges in finding decent employment and supporting themselves. However, the Mazava association has set up an innovative program which offers these women a space of moral support and work opportunities to improve their situation.
A work space and moral support:
The Mazava association has created an environment conducive to employment by providing women in difficulty with various work spaces. There is a hair salon, a laundromat and even a chicken coop. These different activities allow women to work a few hours per week and thus have additional income.
The aim of the association is not only to provide employment, but also to offer moral support to women. Indeed, many women who stay at home find themselves confronted with domestic violence and social isolation. Mazava encourages women to break the taboo and talk openly about their difficulties, in order to find solutions and get out of this precarious situation.
A hope for the future:
For many women, working within the Mazava association represents a means of providing for themselves and their families. Marie-Abeline, for example, weaves raffia baskets which are sold by the association. She testifies to the importance of this activity so as not to remain idle and to strengthen her husband’s income.
The women who work with Mazava also see further for their future. They aspire to start their own business and expand their activities. Fandresena, a 22-year-old woman who runs a hair salon, hopes to one day be able to open her own establishment in town.
Conclusion :
The Mazava association plays an essential role in improving the living conditions of women in Antsirabe. By offering work and moral support, it allows these women to escape precariousness and take control of their future. This initiative could serve as a model for other communities facing the same problems.