SEED Madagascar

“Previously, we tended to deal only with sexual and reproductive health issues, but lately, we are making more of the link with rights.” SRHR Network member

In Madagascar, access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information is challenging for many young people. Accessing a rights-based approach to this information is almost impossible, and, as a result, SRH outcomes remain poor across the country. To strengthen advocacy around these topics, SEED launched the national sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) Network in late 2019 as part of Project Safidy. The Network brings together passionate activists and civil society organisations working across SRHR, youth rights, and gender equality and now has 34 member organisations in all 23 regions of Madagascar. The Network aims to strengthen advocacy for sexual and reproductive health and rights by uniting the voices of different organisations working across SRHR and facilitating opportunities to work together. 

In the first two years of operation, the Network focused on building the skills, knowledge, and confidence of its members, sharing resources, and providing opportunities for collaboration and coordination. To date, the Network has convened eight coordination meetings, organised ten capacity-building and skills-sharing sessions, presented ten radio broadcasts, hosted one roundtable discussion, and launched a Facebook page with over 2,000 followers.

When asked how involvement in the Network has impacted their organisations, members described feeling more connected to other SRHR organisations and empowered to advocate for SRHR education. Representatives from one organisation explained that as a result of the SRHR Network, they now collaborate with other members to take a more holistic view of SRHR in their projects.

"Our organisation focuses on the fight against HIV/AIDS, and thanks to the SRHR Network, we have been able to acquire notions of the projects of other organisations. For example, the sexual rights of children."
SRHR Network member

Based on the success of the Network to date, members have committed to continuing the Network as an independent organisation that will operate without the support of Project Safidy. Members from across the Network have been meeting and discussing ways to achieve this independence, and it was agreed that the Network would become a formalised organisation. To support this process and guide the Network into the future, a strategic plan was developed which outlines the steps required to achieve these ambitions.

“I see the SRHR Network becoming a national network, a key player in all initiatives in favour of SRHR, and a credible interlocutor for the authorities and all other stakeholders.” SRHR Network Member

Today, through Project Safidy, there is a strong network of members who share a vision of how they see the future of SRHR in Madagascar. These members are working together to build each other’s skills, knowledge, and confidence and advocate for rights-based SRHR across the country.

From its roots as part of SEED’s Safidy Project, the Network will now become an independent entity focusing on SRHR advocacy activities across Madagascar. In the next three years, the Network will advocate with one voice on issues of national importance to advance SRHR, starting with convening the Third National SRHR Conference later in 2022 ahead of the International Conference on Family Planning. This will bring together Malagasy civil society, donors, multilateral organisations, government representatives, and other stakeholders to agree on a way forward for SRHR for all in Madagascar. 

SEED will continue to play an active role as a member and co-founder of the Network, and we look forward to working together with passionate organisations and activists from across the country.