In Madagascar, a novel aims to make “the voices of victims” of sexual violence heard
In Madagascar, Doctor Hary Rabary, author and gynecologist, wrote a first novel called
#Zakoa
, a translation of #Metoo, this social movement encouraging women victims of sexual violence to speak out.
She describes practices linked to what researcher Jessica Lolonirina Nivoseheno describes as “
rape culture
” in this country.
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View of the city of Antananarivo from the upper town (2016).
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With our correspondent in Antananarivo,
Sarah Tétaud
In
Madagascar
, it is a first novel that should be a landmark:
#Zakoa
, translation of the famous #Metoo, is signed by the author and gynecologist Hary Rabary.
Inspired by real contemporary events, the novel traces the ordeal of a schoolgirl raped by her teacher, repudiated by her parents, then subjected again to the hell of gang rape upon her arrival at the University of Antananarivo.
An unvarnished confrontation with dark and ostensibly silent practices.
“
I plead not guilty to leave the dock where you have cornered me for so many years
.
» “
The doctor on duty told my mother that it was certainly a complication of a clandestine abortion.
» “
Instead of judging you, blaming you, the monsters who attacked me, society acclaimed you as if you were heroes.
»
Page after page, the protagonist of
#Zakoa
puts into words what she endured.
A weight from which she wants to free herself.
However, Doctor Hary Rabary hesitated for a long time before writing these sentences.
She knows how sensitive the subject is, as she receives at least one rape victim per week for consultations at the Diego military hospital.
“
I would not say that society protects attackers, but that it is indifferent
”
Then, one day, she started: “
This novel has several objectives, but the main one was to make the voices of the victims heard, that a victim is a victim and not a culprit.
I wouldn't say that society protects abusers, but that it is indifferent.
And that is no longer possible because the suffering of the victims is real, both physical and mental.
This has to stop.
»
Less direct but just as effective, the story highlights the trivialized violence committed by the medical profession.
“
It is certain that it will disturb society and the medical profession.
But it's a risk I'm taking
, says Doctor Hary Rabary.
And I hope that it will create an electric shock, that it will awaken consciences
.”
As chilling as it is,
#Zakoa
nevertheless wants to be a novel full of hope.
“
From this book, we must also remember that everything is not over, even if we have suffered so much violence
,” concludes Doctor Hary Rabary.
It’s true, you need a great capacity for resilience.
But we, society, also have a responsibility to support these people
.”
Madagascar is indeed in its infancy in terms of care and monitoring of victims.
The novel, selected in competition for several literary prizes, is a beautiful spotlight on a raw truth, still taboo.
Read alsoIn Madagascar, the castration of child rapists divides victim protection associations
Despite legal developments, “there really is a rape culture in Madagascar,” according to researcher Jessica Lolonirina Nivoseheno
In Madagascar, are things changing?
Legally, yes.
In 2019, Madagascar adopted a law relating to the fight against gender-based violence, notably introducing the notion of marital rape.
At the beginning of February, the penalties incurred by rapists of minors were toughened: on a proposal from the government, Parliamentarians voted in particular to authorize chemical and surgical castration.
“
A step forward
,” according to Jessica Lolonirina Nivoseheno, research and training officer within the Women Break the Silence movement.
Even if, according to her, the “
culture of rape remains anchored in Madagascar
”.
“
There really is a culture of rape in Madagascar
,” she assures
Sarah Tétaud
at the microphone .
We are in the process of normalizing certain cases of sexual violence, and also minimizing the seriousness of these cases.
We are already in 2024 and there are still cases where, arriving in court, the attackers are acquitted with the benefit of the doubt.
And worse, there are cases where rape cases are resolved amicably within the family.
Without taking into account the psychological damage side for the victim.
Who are the care providers?
What follow-up is proposed?
There is the question
".
She continues: “
Yes, tongues are starting to loosen, but not in all of Madagascar.
Even if there is a law, even if there are state institutions and more and more civil society organizations which campaign against this violence and encourage people to break the silence, there still remain taboos.
If the State really took drastic initiatives, cases of rape should decrease.
»
Asked about legal developments in Madagascar, Jessica Lolonirina Nivoseheno concludes: “
Yes, it is progress, because it is a dissuasive sentence.
This could prevent potential attackers from taking action.
On one condition, if it is popularized: that is to say that we, as ordinary people, as citizens, are aware of the existence and the importance of this new sentence.
»
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