In Antananarivo, the «positive men» of the Bandy Miabo clubs, young volunteers committed to respect and equality, are helping to change traditional representations of masculinity. Through Action Education's Sandratra project, the promotion of positive masculinity is becoming an essential lever for supporting the empowerment of young single mothers.

The challenge of early single parenthood in Madagascar

In Madagascar, young single mothers often live in very precarious conditions. Frequently marginalised by the people around them and abandoned by the fathers of their children, they face many obstacles. Among the most decisive are early school leaving due to pregnancy. Deprived of a diploma or professional qualification, these young women run the risk of remaining in the same situation for the rest of their lives. trapped in a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break.

To respond to this social reality, the Sandratra project focuses on supporting 900 young single mothers aged between 15 and 29, They come from the most disadvantaged areas of the capital. Often excluded from traditional economic channels, they take sole responsibility for their households. The project therefore proposes a global approach, acting on both the consequences and the underlying causes of this situation.

Sandratra: from precariousness to autonomy

Supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the NGO Solidarité Laïque, the project is based on a close partnership with the Commune Urbaine d'Antananarivo (CUA). In 2025, the signing of an agreement with the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts made it possible to develop training courses leading to qualifications in growth sectors cooking, baking, sewing and leather goods.

The EFOI (Entreprendre au Féminin Océan Indien) network of companies also contributes to this dynamic by recruiting some young graduates, facilitating their professional integration.

Young mothers from the Sandrata project pose with their diplomas. Julie Noyelle/Action Education

«My name is Rasoamananjara Joséphine, I'm 25 and I have one child. I left school at the age of 15 in the 4th grade. Before Sandratra I was a cleaner, and now I run a small restaurant in Namontana. The number of customers is fairly random, but I already have 10 regulars. I used to have a lot of financial problems. Now, with the sale, my income has increased and covers our needs. Last year, I was only able to pay for two months of school. This year, I'm going to pay for my child's schooling.»
Joséphine, a young mother helped to become self-employed.

Bandy Miabo clubs: engaging people for change

The Sandratra project also has an innovative dimension: promoting positive masculinity. The aim is to encourage men to abandon domineering behaviour and adopt attitudes based on mutual respect and shared responsibility.

The winners of the tournament to raise awareness of positive masculinity through sport, Betongolo stadium, Madagascar. 21 February 2026 © AE Madagascar

Bandy Miabo« (»positive men«) clubs bring together young volunteers trained in human rights. As agents of change, they are raising awareness among their peers through sport and culture. On 21 February 2026, at the Betongolo stadium, football tournaments and concerts featuring the artist Ramora Favoris illustrated this collective commitment.

Their training programme is based on four pillars:

• • the deconstructing stereotypes linked to traditional masculinity: participants are invited to question the social norms associated with the male role, such as dominance in relationships, rejection of emotional expression or limited parental responsibility.
  • rights education and the prevention of gender-based violence: young people receive training in human rights, gender equality and existing protection mechanisms. The aim is to enable them to identify situations of violence or discrimination and to adopt behaviour that promotes prevention within their community.
  • leadership development and advocacy skills: male participants receive training on human rights, gender equality and existing protection mechanisms.
  • cohesion within Labis (social innovation laboratory), encouraging mutual help and support.

The Labis, or social innovation laboratory, is a support space for young single mothers supported by the Sandratra project. Designed as a safe and inclusive space, it enables them to get together, exchange experiences, develop social and professional skills and take part in community initiatives that enhance their role within the neighbourhood. In this way, Labis fosters mutual aid between beneficiaries and helps to strengthen their autonomy, their ability to express themselves and their civic participation.

This approach aims to bring about a lasting transformation: moving from domination to responsibility and care. It helps to combat the silence surrounding domestic injustice and paternal disengagement, while encouraging active solidarity with single mothers. Within Labis, young men develop concrete empathy by supporting single mothers through collective actions, such as cleaning up community spaces or co-creating podcasts. Delivered by young people for young people, the message becomes one of shared experience rather than a moral lesson.

A project with lasting results

After three years of implementation, the results testify to the effectiveness of this global approach:

• 900 young single mothers have acquired professional skills adapted to their environment
• 630 women now have an income-generating activity enable them to meet their family responsibilities and provide for their children's education
• a positive social image, Some are now taking on civic responsibilities
• the Commune Urbaine d'Antananarivo is continuing to provide support and is committed to supporting 150 new young mothers per year.

Equality is built every day

As Women's Rights Month draws to a close, the Sandratra project is a reminder that gender equality is a long-term process. The commitment of men is a decisive factor in preventing violence and reducing poverty. According to the UN, every dollar invested in a girl's education can generate a threefold economic return worldwide.

When men become active allies, the whole community moves towards greater social justice.

«Before, the community put me down because I didn't have a job or because I was someone's maid. Now my life has improved with my work. This same community says that even though I'm a single mother, I've been able to progress in life. I make society proud and I'm seen as a role model for young people.»
Joséphine, self-employed.

Work with us for equality!

Social change cannot happen without your support. You too can become a player in this transformation:

• Share this article to spread the word about the impact of Bandy Miabo clubs.
• Support our actions: make a donation to Action Education Switzerland so that the Sandratra project can continue.

Together, let's build a world where respect and equality are universal realities