Save Lives: 1st Women's Shelter in Madagascar- GBV

Periodic Report on the Women's Shelter

In recent months, the shelter has continued to serve as a safe and supportive haven for women escaping violence and crisis. Despite many challenges, the demand for our services keeps growing, and the name of the shelter is spreading far and wide. More and more women hear about the assistance we provide and reach out to us with hope for a fresh start.

Since the beginning of this reporting period, more than 60 women have received direct assistance at the shelter. Over 100 children who arrived with their mothers were provided with care, emotional support, and the basic conditions needed for stability and safety. Our dedicated team continues to work tirelessly to offer each family personalized support, from secure accommodation to legal, social, and psychological assistance.

Although we have succeeded in increasing awareness of our work and reaching a wider community, we face a significant challenge in fundraising. The shortage of financial resources has forced us to greatly reduce the scope of the shelter's operations. This has resulted in limited staff availability, shorter stays for the families we host, and reduced capacity to admit additional women seeking help.

We are working continuously to mobilize support that will allow us to return the shelter to full operation and even expand its services so that every woman and child in need of a safe place can receive it. Additional support is critical at this time to ensure that we do not have to turn away more requests for help and that we can maintain the quality of care for the families who have already found refuge with us.

Project Report – Life at the Blue House: Protecting Women and Children in Southern Madagascar.

Overview of the Current Situation

Since its opening in January 2025, Ny Trano Manga – The Blue House, the first shelter in Madagascar dedicated to women, girls, and children affected by violence, rape, and forced marriage, has become a recognized refuge across southern Madagascar and beyond. Its reputation now reaches even the most remote villages, and we regularly receive requests for help from far-flung communities.

The demand is overwhelming — there is a constant waiting list of approximately 15–20 women and children, far exceeding our current capacity. To date, the shelter has supported over 120 survivors, providing safe accommodation, nutritious meals, personal care, and professional assistance.

Each month, we serve more than 4,000 meals to residents and their children. Additionally, we provide a range of rehabilitation services, including literacy classes, vocational training, and psychosocial support.

The Blue House has also become a center for learning and innovation. Delegations and visitors from various organizations come to study our model, and our shelter manager, Mamy Duata, has been invited to participate in events, meetings, and workshops hosted by international organizations such as Save the Children and UNICEF. We have recently completed all licensing procedures by the requirements of Madagascar’s Ministry of Population and the Ministry of Labor.

A Story from the Field

"When I arrived with my two children, we had nothing — no food, no clothes, and no place to sleep. After enduring prolonged sexual abuse, I came to the Blue House, where we received a warm bed, food, and a listening ear. I feel safe here, especially at night. Today, I’ve started learning how to sew so I can support my family."
— Testimony from one of the shelter’s residents

Current Challenges

Due to a severe shortage of resources, we’ve recently been forced to reduce food portions and cut back on staff. These decisions are painful but necessary to keep the shelter operational. Despite these setbacks, our team remains deeply committed to providing protection, care, and rehabilitation to every woman and child who turns to us.

Looking Ahead
Our vision is to expand the shelter’s capacity so that every woman and child in need can access a haven, receive professional care, and begin a personalized rehabilitation journey. Support from the international community is essential to realizing this vision. Every donation and partnership helps us save lives and offer hope for a brighter future.