Protecting Children From Violence in Madagascar

Why It Matters

Reducing violent discipline improves children’s safety, education outcomes, and long‑term societal health, while demonstrating a cost‑effective, culturally resonant approach for policymakers and donors.

Key Takeaways

• 90% of Malagasy children face physical or psychological discipline
• UNICEF trains havanjaza mentors to replace punishment with positive guidance
• Elia Habanjoky leads community sessions on non‑violent child‑rearing
• Cultural shift reduces acceptance of hitting as normal discipline

Pulse Analysis

Child discipline in Madagascar remains a pressing social issue. Recent UNICEF surveys reveal that nine out of ten children experience some form of violent discipline, ranging from corporal punishment to psychological intimidation. These practices are deeply rooted in traditional norms that view physical correction as essential to character building. However, the high prevalence of abuse undermines children’s right to safety, hampers educational outcomes, and perpetuates cycles of violence that can extend into adulthood. International donors view Madagascar as a test case for behavior‑change strategies.

UNICEF’s response centers on the havanjaza model, a community‑based mentorship system that replaces punitive measures with positive engagement. Trained mentors like Elia Habanjoky supervise children, organize play and music activities, and conduct awareness workshops that reframe hitting as violence rather than discipline. The program equips parents with non‑violent communication tools and provides ongoing support through local social workers. Early feedback from Fenerive East shows a measurable decline in reported incidents, suggesting that culturally sensitive education can shift attitudes faster than legislation alone.

The success of the havanjaza initiative has broader implications for child protection policy across sub‑Saharan Africa. By demonstrating that community mentorship can reduce violence without heavy reliance on legal enforcement, UNICEF provides a scalable blueprint for governments and NGOs seeking cost‑effective interventions. Donor agencies are increasingly interested in programs that deliver measurable outcomes while respecting local customs. As Madagascar moves toward aligning its national child‑rights framework with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, grassroots efforts like Elia’s will be critical in ensuring compliance and sustaining long‑term behavioral change.

Original Description

In Fenerive East, a coastal town in Madagascar, UNICEF-supported havanjaza (children's mentor) and social worker Elia Habanjoky works to keep children safe and end harmful child-rearing practices.

Nine out of 10 children in Madagascar experience violent discipline in the form of physical punishment or psychological abuse. But cultural norms are shifting, with support from dedicated community members like Elia.

"As havanjaza, we supervise children, we teach them to play and sing, and we also raise awareness," she says. "What is important to me is to protect children from all forms of violence. I myself have benefited from training that I apply in the education of my own children."

"We explain to them that today, hitting children is considered a form of violence."

UNICEF stands up for the rights of every child, every day, everywhere in Madagascar.

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