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V. Rajaonarimampianina: Address to Peace Summit 2023, Session IV-C
Written by Mme. Voahangy Rajaonarimampianina, First Lady (2014-2018), Madagascar
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Address to Peace Summit 2023
May 2-5, 2023
It is an honor to speak about universal peace, a subject that is close to our hearts. Peace is an ideal that we all share, and a crucial element of our existence, but which sometimes seems so far from our reality.
How and in what way can we contribute to the construction of a more peaceful and harmonious world of peace? First, let me remind you as a woman and a mother that peace should begin within our own homes. This is the first reason why it is important that we women commit ourselves to creating a peaceful environment within our homes, by cultivating a climate of respect, dialogue, and tolerance and solidarity where everyone feels safe and loved.
Indeed, a family upbringing can have a significant impact on the way we interact with others in our community, and therefore help us to resolve conflicts constructively, without resorting to verbal or physical violence. By creating this atmosphere of peace in our home, we transmit positive values to our children, who will be the citizens of tomorrow.
Second, peace in our home requires emotional stability, which involves taking care of our mental health and psychological well-being. Each of us must be aware of our emotions, needs, limits and learn to manage this in a healthy way and in order to have the ability to remain attentive to the emotions of others. This emotional stability will allow us to live in harmony with ourselves, and with others in our community.
Moreover, we cannot talk about peace and we cannot achieve it without action, without educating our children by offering them a healthy environment. Education in general is a main tool for peace. Mutual understanding should be a new school subject that aims to educate young people for their daily lives.
Education and health are universal rights that allow everyone to flourish, to acquire skills, knowledge and values conducive to peace. Remember that education is a factor of economic and social development, which contributes to reducing poverty, inequalities, and all forms of discrimination and violence. As for health, which is also a factor of security and stability, it conditions the quality of life of individuals and communities. We must therefore ensure and work to eliminate the barriers that prevent the future generations from having access to these education and health services.
As former first lady, I have always been committed to promoting gender equality and the fight against discrimination. Women have long been marginalized in many areas, including education and employment. Also, girls and women are often victims of violence, abuse, exploitation, and deprivation of their rights and freedoms. However, we are essential actors of peace by bringing our vision, experience, and our leadership to the resolution of problems related to society.
Thus, I firmly believe that women have an essential role to play in the development of our society and our economy. This is why I am proud to have contributed and supported many initiatives aimed at strengthening the vocational training of women in Madagascar so that they can achieve complete financial empowerment. Similarly, I contributed to the establishment of primary and elementary level schools as well as the creation of structures allowing the development of young people such as libraries.
It is essential to strengthen the empowerment of girls and women by guaranteeing them access to education, health and opportunities for economic integration. This is why we must commit to offering all girls and women the same opportunities for learning and professional development by ensuring their fair representation in decision-making bodies.
To conclude my intervention, peace is a major challenge for humanity. It requires the mobilization of all actors: States, international organizations, civil society, private sector, media and each of us. It also requires the implementation of global strategies. But it begins first and foremost in our homes. I am aware that the road to true peace is still long and strewn with obstacles. But I remain convinced that we can navigate it together, building on the achievements of the past and mobilizing for the future… So, let's get involved and work together to create a fairer and more equitable world.
Thank you for your attention.
To go to the Peace Summit 2023 Schedule page, click here.