Next stop: South Africa and the SVRI Forum, with our Monitoring and Evaluation team! Tahiry, our research coordinator, takes us through her adventure and shares the highlights of her experience on the ground.
Do you know Tahiry, our research, learning and accountability coordinator? For the past 7 years, Tahiry has been a key driver of Projet Jeune Leader (PJL)! With her notebook in hand and her infectious smile, she’s been working closely with our constituents to build trust in our program and support the work of our Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) teams.
Right now, Tahiry is leading research on how PJL’s comprehensive sexuality eduaction (CSE) program influences Malagasy adolescents' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to violence prevention, in collaboration with Laura, our Evaluation Director. Last year, her dedication and the quality of her work earned her recognition from the SVRI (Sexual Violence Research Initiative), which selected her for their bursary program and awarded her a full grant to attend their 2024 forum in South Africa!
In October, Tahiry packed her bags for her first trip outside of Madagascar and flew off with Laura… heading to Cape Town!
What is the SVRI? How was her trip? And how has this experience enriched her research at PJL?
Join us as we share the story of her South African adventure!
SVRI Forum – A Chance for Tahiry and Laura to Share Their Research and Gather Valuable Insights!
The SVRI Forum is an international platform focused on research and solutions to combat violence against women and children, particularly in vulnerable contexts. This interdisciplinary event brings together experts, researchers, and activists from around the world to exchange knowledge and expertise. Its main goal? To strengthen the global response to gender-based violence by supporting scientific research, sharing best practices, and promoting effective public policies.
For Tahiry and Laura, this Forum was an excellent opportunity to present PJL’s CSE model in Madagascar's public middle schools and share our research on how this education helps prevent violence. And they certainly kept busy! Key highlights included:
· Poster presentation of our Grand Challenges Canada-funded study on the multi-level impacts of our program related to violence prevention.
· Panel discussion on preventing violence against children and violence against women and children in and through schools as part of our involvement with the What Works 2 Prevent Violence initiative, alongside the Good Schools Coalition, UNESCO, UNICEF's Safe to Learn.
· Connecting with Dr. Jessie Burke, our partner from the University of Pittsburgh Public Health, with whom we are currently conducting SVRI-funded research with students to help design and strengthen components of our program aimed at better addressing and preventing violence in their lives.
With inspiring talks, thought-provoking discussions, and engaging workshops, the SVRI Forum’s vibrant program provided our team with the chance to connect, exchange ideas, and explore innovative, holistic, and intersectional approaches to preventing and addressing violence against women and children.
For Tahiry, Laura, the forum was a valuable opportunity to gather new insights and best practices, leaving them with a wealth of fresh ideas and inspiration to drive the next phases of their research back in Madagascar.
Through Tahiry’s Eyes: An Inspiring Experience!
Tahiry's journey began at the end of 2023 when Laura suggested she apply for the bursary program organized by SVRI, in connection with their current research on violence prevention.
"I absolutely love my work at PJL! Understanding the impact on our constituents, having meaningful exchanges with them, and sometimes being surprised by their responses—it's what I enjoy the most. I'm really grateful to Laura for encouraging me to apply for this program and for supporting me through the selection process!"
In early 2024, it was official: Tahiry was selected for the bursary program! This initiative gives young professionals from low- and middle-income countries the chance to attend the SVRI Forum to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Forum.. It was Tahiry's first time traveling abroad and an incredibly rewarding professional experience!
"I'd always admired the PJL team members who had the opportunity to travel abroad for work, but I never thought I’d have the chance myself, especially since I'm not a manager. So when I found out I was selected for the SVRI grant, I was overwhelmed with emotion, excited to go, and incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity. A huge thanks to the SVRI team! I was also pretty nervous because I didn’t know what to expect, and I was especially worried about my English!"
Tahiry is the first person in her family to leave Madagascar and fly abroad, and her family couldn’t be prouder.
"My father was the proudest. It was such a huge joy for me!"
End of October – The Big Day Arrives! Tahiry and Laura Head to Cape Town for the SVRI Forum!
Tahiry had the chance to attend various workshops, discover the work of organizations from around the world, and connect with other young professionals. The SVRI Forum was a space of inspiration and opportunity, where Tahiry encountered stories of participatory research that sparked her motivation for her own work.
"Seeing so many people working so hard to prevent violence, I was deeply moved. Their efforts brought tears to my eyes, but more than that, they inspired and motivated me to keep pushing forward with my research. I thought, maybe one day I’ll be the one presenting my research at an event like this and inspire others in the same way."
"I learned so much during the Forum. What stood out most to me was seeing new methodologies and research, and how I could apply them to improve my own work."
During the event, where most interactions were in English, Tahiry had to step out of her comfort zone. But she kept pushing herself, reminding herself: "You’ve made it this far, you can’t give up now!"
"As soon as I could, I made sure to connect with people to share PJL’s work and learn about the work of other organizations. Even though it was in English, it was a great chance to pick up new ideas and best practices that could improve our research and program."
"I was always on the lookout for French-speaking participants so I could connect more easily. What a relief when I met some other Malagasy people!"
Between the conferences, Tahiry also took time to explore the stunning South African coastline. The views were breathtaking, and who cares if she didn’t understand everything the guide was saying in English?
"It was my first time seeing penguins, and it was amazing. The landscapes were gorgeous! But, honestly, I didn’t catch much of what the guide said…"
Back in Madagascar, Tahiry is eager to share her experience and more determined than ever for the next steps in her research. Her time at the SVRI Forum was more than just a trip—it was an inspiring immersion in a global network of researchers and changemakers, where every conversation and connection helped her grow and fueled her passion for her work. With new knowledge and contacts, Tahiry is ready to take on the challenges ahead and dive deeper into her research.
"On the flight back, I wasn’t stressed anymore. I was just happy and grateful for the whole experience. I realized how incredibly lucky I was to have been part of something so extraordinary!"
"In Madagascar, violence against women and children is a major issue that affects many people. This experience has helped me understand even more clearly the importance of the PJL program and the research we’re doing to prevent violence. All the insights I gained have made me even more motivated for the future! If we believe in what we’re doing and commit to taking action, we can really make a difference."
The whole PJL team is extremely proud of Tahiry for her exceptional work and dedication! With renewed energy and a broader perspective, she is now ready for the next chapter in her journey. Want to follow along?
_________________________
Our research on the impact of the PJL program in preventing violence among Malagasy adolescents is generously supported by SVRI (Sexual Violence Research Initiative), Grand Challenges Canada, and the What Works 2 Prevent Violence initiative. A big thank you to all of them!
Comments