Women’s Shelter

Current Situation:

The center is operated by state employees and serves as a place where women who have been harmed can come to testify. In practice, an average of two women per day arrive at the center, which is a very small percentage of the victims out there. We have already encountered horrific cases of sexual abuse and exploitation of women left helpless, such as a 17-year-old girl who roamed the streets and was raped multiple times and is now pregnant. The severe economic situation and food insecurity, which worsen during cyclone periods, create fertile ground for the sexual exploitation of women because “a mother will do anything to provide food for her child.” All this, combined with the prevalence of alcoholism, accelerates the exploitation and harm to women. The center is not active at night or on weekends. There is no professional psychologist or social worker, and there is no continuous monitoring or significant rehabilitation activities. There is also no possibility of accommodation and protection for complainants, and the place operates under budget constraints.

How it Affects the Victims:

A lack of professional mental health treatment: Women do not receive the professional mental and emotional care they need, which causes them to remain in a state of prolonged trauma without adequate support.

Inability to provide support and rehabilitation: The center is unable to provide continuous support or effective rehabilitation, which leads to victims being unable to recover and rehabilitate fully.

Lack of protection at night and on weekends: The center’s inactivity at night and on weekends leaves victims unprotected during critical times when assistance is most needed.

Lack of trust in the system: Many women are afraid to approach the center due to a lack of trust in the system and scepticism about the center’s ability to provide real help, driving them away from needed assistance rather than bringing them towards it.

The Need for Establishing a Shelter and Upgrading the Treatment Center:

Establishing a shelter and upgrading the existing center is a necessary step to improve the situation and provide support, comfort, and security for victims of violence and sexual exploitation in the area. A safe shelter will enable women to receive professional mental and emotional treatment, protection from attackers, continuous support, and rehabilitation. The upgrade will allow the center to operate around the clock and provide all the basic needs of the victims, including accommodation, nutrition, and medical treatment, creating a safe, trusted environment that victims can rely on.

Our Goal:

Establishing a safe shelter with appropriate support services, including emotional support, accommodation, nutrition, and 24/7 protection for complainants.

We will significantly upgrade the existing center in cooperation with the center’s employees and Ambovombe authorities, adding more professionals to provide the care and guidance that victims require. The improvements we make and raise awareness will lead to more women and girls coming to report their situations.

Our Plan:

Medical Care and Privacy

Emphasis on cultural and linguistic diversity: Services in several local languages and a team from diverse cultural backgrounds that understand the cultural contexts of the audience.

Initial medical treatment: Providing the “morning-after” pill, treating injuries, and preventing sexually transmitted diseases. A certified nurse will be available at the center.

Privacy in medical treatment: Maintaining privacy and protecting the victims’ personal information.

Mental and Emotional Support

Support groups and workshops: Regular support groups and workshops for managing emotions, dealing with anxiety and depression, and creative healing methods such as art therapy. Recruiting psychologists and social workers according to local needs and culture to provide the trusted support women are looking for.

Emphasis on the innocence of the woman: A woman is not to blame for being raped or harmed!

Awareness of Violence Against Men and Children

Resource and support center: Support also for men and children who have been victims of sexual violence.

Accommodation in the Shelter

Accommodation in the shelter for women: To protect and distance them from their abuser in coordination with law enforcement.

Programs for transitioning to independence include assistance in finding safe housing, access to education and social services, and support in creating a support network.

Public Awareness and Women’s Rights

Educational campaigns in the community and educational institutions: Raising awareness of women’s rights and the impacts of rape and gender-based violence.

Focus on youth: Sexual education, prevention, and empowerment programs for at-risk youth.

Dealing with Economic and Nutritional Damage

Integration of financial services: Economic advice, assistance in personal budget management, and job market preparation in cooperation with local or international financial institutions will be offered to help women rebuild after their trauma.

Partnerships with local businesses: Job opportunities and training for women who have left the center. We will establish cooperation with the Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship, Professional Training, and Employment to provide a defined path to new employment opportunities.

Safety and Security

Workshops on preventing violence and raising awareness for men and boys: Creating awareness among men and boys in the community about the consequences of gender-based violence and the importance of equality and respect for women and girls.

Advanced security technologies: Advanced security systems, including security cameras, will be installed to ensure women’s safety at the center.

Law Enforcement on Perpetrators: “The law should be enforced on men responsible for violence so that others will see and fear, thereby reducing cases of violence and rape.”

Solutions for the Victims’ Children

Educational and psychological programs for children will include workshops and educational sessions, along with play activities for children who have been exposed to their mother’s abuse and are dealing with trauma.

The Importance of Local Women’s Involvement

Projects led by local women intend to strengthen local women’s participation in leading the center’s projects and activities.

Forced Marriages and Early Pregnancies of Girls

Prevention of forced child marriages: Madagascar faces a high rate of child marriages with girls under the age of 18 (over 30%), violating their rights and ability to escape the cycle of poverty.

Awareness and education: Educational programs for parents and girls about protecting girls’ rights to complete their education and personal development before marriage.

Support for girls: Support centers that provide shelter, education, and training for girls at risk of early forced marriage.

Establishment of “Young Women for Young Women” Program 

Program for girls (15-20) leadership: Leadership training, gender studies, women’s rights, English studies, computer skills, and other topics the girls can choose to study depending on their interests and goals. The girls will assist in campaigns to promote awareness of the center’s existence and the possibility of reporting violence and other repressive crimes and receiving support and protection. For more details…

How Can You Help? Your donation will enable us to establish the shelter for women and significantly upgrade the center, assisting thousands of women who need it. Every donation, large or small, will help us change the lives of many women and create a strong and cohesive community. With your donations, we can give these women and girls the tools, support, and protection they desperately need. Join us in the fight for the rights of women and girls in Madagascar, and donate today to change the lives of thousands of victims.

Collaboration with External Organizations

Creating connections with international and local organizations to support the program.

The amount of donations required to establish this project is $15,000