WOMESA Madagascar reports a 75% increase in female seafarers, crediting policy advocacy and mentorship for driving inclusion in blue economy
By Ruffine Harisoa Rakotoarisoa, Antananarivo, Madagascar – Women in the Maritime Sector in Eastern and Southern Africa (WOMESA) Madagascar, is producing measurable change for women in the maritime industry through policy advocacy, mentorship, and community outreach. The chapter’s work is expanding opportunities for women across Madagascar’s blue economy.
WOMESA Madagascar traces its roots to the 2007 launch of WOMESA under the International Maritime Organization’s gender program. The Madagascar chapter was officially established on 7 October 2016 with support from the Ministry of Transport and Meteorology – the Maritime Port and Waterways Agency (APMF) and private stakeholders. Today it unites about 30 professionals from shipping, public service, law, entrepreneurship, and the environmental sector.
Leadership rotates every two years between public and private sector to ensure broad representation. Hanitra Nirina Andriantsoa, currently leads the chapter for the 2025–2027 term. This collaborative model has secured the chapter a consistent seat on the WOMESA Regional Governing Council. In 2018, it hosted the WOMESA Regional Conference in Antananarivo.
Impact Through Four Pillars
WOMESA Madagascar delivers results through:
Policy Advocacy: Pushing for women’s placement in strategic decision-making roles. Capacity Building: Running peer-to-peer training and knowledge exchanges for members and partners. Youth Outreach: Engaging schools and universities to guide students toward maritime careers. Social Solidarity: Supporting orphanages and providing post-cyclone relief to coastal fishing communities like in Toamasina.
The approach is translating into industry shifts. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of Malagasy female seafarers rose by 75%. The chapter also contributes to national policy through forums like FOJAEB and supports female cadets at the National Maritime Academy with thesis mentorship and career guidance.
Influencing Policy Through FOJAEB
FOJAEB, the Forum des Jeunes Africains sur l’Économie Bleue, brings together government, industry, academia, and civil society to shape Madagascar’s blue economy agenda.
As a technical partner and civil society voice, WOMESA Madagascar provides evidence and recommendations from members working in ports, shipping, law, and environmental management. The chapter advocates for gender targets and inclusion measures in national maritime policies, port regulations, and blue economy strategies, and ensures women’s perspectives are included in high-level workshops on maritime governance, fisheries and ocean litter.
Supporting the Next Generation at Sea
WOMESA Madagascar addresses this through one-on-one mentorship and advise cadets on career planning and navigating a male-dominated workplace.
Thesis and research guidance: Members help with topic selection, data access, and academic feedback. The chapter recently supported one deck officer cadet with her final thesis at École Nationale d’Enseignement Maritime (ENEM).
Professional exposure: Conducting dedicated school tours and educational outreach to raise awareness about the vast opportunities within the blue economy for students.
This combination of policy engagement and direct support to cadets and students is credited with driving the 75% increase in Malagasy female seafarers between 2023 and 2024.
Leadership History
Board members are elected every two years, with the presidency rotating between the public and private sectors.
From 2016 to 2019, Johanne Andria-Manantena, Founder, served as president. Sandra Rakotondramboa led the chapter from 2019 to 2021, followed by Dina Hariniry Ralaivao from 2021 to 2023. Faravololona Ratiarisoa held the presidency for the 2023–2025 term. The current term, 2025–2027, is headed by Hanitra Nirina Andriantsoa as chapter president.
Ruffine Harisoa Rakotoarisoa is Secretary and Head of Communications, WOMESA Madagascar.
