Elatra Project
From victims to survivors
According to data collected in the MICS 2018 survey, 32% of women aged between 15 and 49 have experienced violence, 14% have suffered sexual violence, and 38% have endured one or both types of violence in Madagascar. These figures are alarming, especially considering that structures capable of ensuring the care and socio-economic reintegration of victims are still rare. As for human trafficking, it still appears to be little known despite its scale, whether it involves external migration, as stipulated in the treaties, or the phenomenon of internal trafficking within the country, particularly that of 'little maids'.
The dependence and economic insecurity of women is a risk factor which accentuates gender-based violence and trafficking. For survivors (former victims), economic emancipation is the essential pillar that prevents them from returning to a violent environment.
The reduction of economic vulnerabilities, combined with psychological support for women victims of violence and human trafficking, constitutes a restorative strategy that has already demonstrated its efficacy. The Women Lead Movement Madagascar has developed the Elatra Project with this goal in mind, aiming to reinforce the efforts of those already employing this strategy in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Madagascar.
Implementation
Elatra uses a multi-sectoral approach for the socio-economic emancipation of survivors of GBV and Human Trafficking. The project collaborates with:
- The Private Sector as the main partner for the success of the project in order to integrate survivors into a healthy and decent professional environment
- Civil society and Institutions in charge of the fight against GBV in the context of identifying survivors
- The National Order of Psychologists of Madagascar for the supervision and psychological monitoring of survivors
In addition to the direct reintegration activities of survivors into the professional world and into the social life of their community, community activities focused on changing behaviours and mentalities will also be carried out in 2 Rural Communes in the Analamanga and Haute Matsiatra Regions. The goal is to change the lives of survivors, but also to transform the social environment of Malagasy women and girls to prevent other women from becoming victims.
The direct targets of this second category of activities will include:
- Community and religious leaders
- The men called “champions of the cause”
- Women's associations at community level
- Authorities at local level
%
women have been subjected to violence
%
women have suffered sexual violence
%
experienced one or both types of violence
How can businesses get involved
The success of the Elatra project hinges on welcoming beneficiaries into its structure with the aim of providing women who are victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) seeking reintegration with a pathway to a better life.
Job openings
Opening positions within your company will contribute to its growth while offering development opportunities to women whose unique desire is to empower themselves economically, enabling them to rebuild and fully flourish.
Sharing resources
Funded by the Aga Khan Foundation, the Elatra project does not require any cash contribution. However, your support can significantly contribute to the success of our project by:
- Providing offices for our staff;
- Participating in our vast communication campaign
The added value brought to partner companies includes:
- The membership of a company in the Elatra project demonstrates its desire to establish social justice and respect for Human Rights in Madagascar.
- The enterprise is also positioned as a driver of development in Madagascar.
- Supporting the socio-economic reintegration of survivors of violence is mutually beneficial for both the enterprise and the survivors. It not only provides relief for the survivors but also brings positive impacts to the enterprise.
- Indeed, this commitment can be perceived as an indication that the company has a dynamic team, concerned about the social development of the country, supported by authorities, which can enhance its reputation among partners, clients, and consumers.
They trust us
Global Affairs Canada
The Elatra project was made possible thanks to co-financing from Global Affairs Canada through the Aga Khan Foundation Canada and the Organization for the Support of Rural Development (OSDRM).
Aga Khan Foundation Canada & OSDRM
AKFC and OSDRM, as manager of the Canadian fund, provide technical assistance to the Elatra project for the next two years.
The National Office for Combating Human Trafficking (BNLTEH)
Women Lead Movement Madagascar sits on the Board of Directors and contributes to the implementation of the National Policy (PNLTEH) and the second National Action Plan to combat human trafficking (PNA II) in Madagascar.
National Order of Psychologists of Madagascar
The NOPM fully supports the ELATRA Project by supporting the project's targets through group or individual sessions and therapies with the aim of successfully completing their healing, restoration and emancipation process.
Chaski Global
A communications and public relations expert from Chaski Global was assigned to Madagascar by the U.S. Department of State and IREX, as part of the Reciprocal Exchange of the Mandela Washington Fellowship (YALI) Program. The aim was to strengthen the capacity of the Organization for the implementation of the Elatra project.