On the occasion of International Women's Day, Madagasikara Voakajy celebrates two leading women in conservation in Madagascar: Julie Razafimanahaka and Chantia Mahavory.

Julie, the organization’s director, has spent over 20 years protecting Madagascar’s endemic species while empowering local communities. Her work, recognized by the prestigious Tusk Conservation Award, has shown that conservation can also enhance socio-economic well-being, notably through innovative projects like baobab fruit valorization.

Chantia Mahavory, through her project with Madagasikara Voakajy, demonstrated that environmental education goes beyond knowledge. By listening to local community needs, she transformed her project into a literacy program, enabling full community engagement in conservation efforts. This community-focused approach revealed that impactful solutions often come from adapting to local realities.

These two women show that female leadership is vital for sustainable conservation in Madagascar. Through their actions, they inspire the next generation of women leaders by proving that biodiversity protection can align with community development and empowerment. On this International Women's Day, we highlight these exemplary journeys and pay tribute to all the women working towards a greener and fairer future.