Regional/Cultural Day
Fetin'ny Vehivavy
Malagasy women march for equal rights, against domestic violence, and for the recognition of women's contributions to the economy. Madagascar has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Africa (1 in 3 women), and the march is both celebration and demand. The signs are in Malagasy and French, and the march is organized by the women's associations that are the backbone of Malagasy civil society. The women of Madagascar are the primary rice farmers, the primary market vendors, and the primary caretakers of children, and their economic contribution is estimated at 40% of GDP despite systemic inequality.