HERSTORY MADAGASCAR BOOK PROJECT
As acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie has said, “if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.” In Madagascar, the influence and stories of famous men are widely known but women’s stories have mostly been left out of historical, political, and social narratives of Madagascar’s past and present.
Women make up 50% of the population of Madagascar but women’s stories and how they have contributed to Madagascar’s history, culture, and society are not well known. In addition, girls have limited to no access to books. Because of this, Madagascar’s girls have few role models to look up to - and you cannot be what you can’t see.
HERSTORY MADAGASCAR WANTS TO CHANGE THAT!
Malagasy women are mothers and sisters, girlfriends, and wives – but they are also so much more than this. Throughout history and today, they have and continue to hold positions of power and influence, are leaders, dreamers, artists, creators, scientists and conservationists... and more!
HerStory Madagascar will publish the first-ever illustrated children’s book, bringing to life the stories of 50 Malagasy women to inspire girls to achieve their dreams.
Designed for young Malagasy women aged 10 - 16 years, the simple to read book will inspire and draw attention to the diversity and wealth of experiences that Malagasy women have played in the past and continue to bring to Madagascar’s present.
Some of these women will be well known, others will finally get the chance to have their stories heard. The book will be the first illustrated compilation of its kind published in Malagasy, English and French to ensure a wide audience both within Madagascar and so that outsiders also have the opportunity to learn about the remarkable stories of these women too.
Stories will be researched and written by a team of all female Malagasy authors and accompanied by beautiful portraits designed and illustrated by some of Madagascar’s most talented female illustrators, artists and graphic designers.
Distribution of 1000+ copies of the book to disadvantaged young girls
HerStory Madagascar Book project will distribute 1000 or more copies of the books to public schools throughout Madagascar to ensure that even the most disadvantaged girls will have access to the book. A brief teacher’s guide will also be included as part of the book to support teachers to use the book in their lesson plans.
WE NEED YOU !
We can’t publish the book without your support. To help make the book project dream a reality, please donate here!