Young single mothers from Action Education's SANDRATRA project took part for the first time in the celebration of International Women's Day in Antananarivo, Madagascar. A national celebration with great pomp and ceremony on 7 and 8 March 2023.
It all started with the solidarity walk with the participation of single mothers on 7 March. Chaired by the First Lady, Mialy Rajoelina, the march went from the Ankorondrano indoor gymnasium to the Alarobia stadium, followed by a zumba session. The mothers kept up the crazy atmosphere, punctuated by dancing and the slogan "We are the single mothers of the Sandratra project!
On 8 March 2023, Women's Day, the single mothers took part in the parades with all the representatives of Malagasy women from the 23 regions of the Big Island, specially invited to the ceremony at the Barea stadium in the capital. The 75 women representing young single mothers were highly motivated and proud to be taking part in this official national ceremony.
This celebration of International Women's Day was an opportunity for them to show solidarity with all women. They were very proud to be among the women present, because it was an opportunity to enhance their image, their self-esteem and above all their self-confidence. They can't stop chanting in front of everyone: "We are young single mothers from the SANDRATRA project, and we are proud of ourselves!
RASOANIRINA Elizara, a single mother with a dependent child, took part in the celebrations. She explains why: "On 8 March, International Women's Day, I was in the stands at Barea stadium with my friends who were single mothers taking part in the parades, so that together we could take part in the official ceremony. It was my first participation as a woman citizen. In fact, I feel I belong as a woman like all the others. And I'm proud of myself. That's why I applauded all my friends who shouted loudly "We are single mothers" as they passed the First Lady and her husband.
And RASOANIRINA Germaine, a single mother with two dependent children, concluded: "I'm very happy because I feel valued in the eyes of everyone present. That's why I shouted very loudly during the march and the parade that I'm a single mother, and I'm proud of myself!
