Madagascar: Une femme transgenre qui a converti les attaques en force et actions communautaires

This story highlights how a trans woman in Antsirabe transformed discrimination into community leadership, strengthening inclusion, capacity and dignity for marginalised people through VAD3M’s grassroots initiatives.

Taohary Kintana is a trans woman leader from Antsirabe whose journey reflects courage, resilience and a deep commitment to social inclusion. As an active member of VAD3M, she works to support marginalised people, fight discrimination and strengthen dignity for all. Before her engagement, the community faced isolation, lack of visibility, and limited resources for people affected by stigma and gender-based discrimination. 

Her leadership emerged from lived experiences of exclusion and personal attacks. Instead of retreating, she transformed these challenges into a driving force for collective change. Through VAD3M, she led capacity-building workshops designed to empower community members with practical skills, legal awareness, and confidence. These workshops helped participants understand their rights, gain autonomy, and become more engaged in community life. 

A key part of the change came from strategic and participatory training sessions that strengthened the sustainability of community spaces. Through these sessions, participants learned how to maintain safe spaces, document needs, and develop long-term solutions. The approach emphasised collaboration, inclusion, and collective decision-making. 

The change has been visible at the local level, particularly in Antsirabe. Community members gained practical skills, felt more empowered to act, and strengthened their sense of belonging. Many became actors of change themselves, contributing to a more supportive environment. Evidence of this impact includes photos, testimonies, and workshop reports showing improved confidence and participation. 

Sustainability is built through continued training, community mobilisation and partnerships with local actors. VAD3M continues to organise follow-up sessions and collective initiatives to keep the momentum alive. By documenting outcomes and sharing testimonies, the organisation strengthens visibility and supports expansion of initiatives to new communities. The long-term vision is to create a resilient, empowered and inclusive society in Madagascar where everyone can participate freely and safely

Quotes 

Rotsy, Avant de participer aux ateliers, je me sentais isolé. Maintenant je comprends ma valeur et je sais comment agir pour moi et pour ma communauté.

Nekena, Les ateliers m'ont donné confiance. Je peux maintenant aider d’autres personnes à s’organiser et à trouver des solutions ensemble.