The embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Mauritius hosted winners from the Ambassador for a Day initiative October 18. Three secondary students joined the ambassadors in this project to empower the next generation of female leaders.
Fitahiana Jessica Ramarolahy, a student from Lycée Philibert Tsiranana Mahajanga, is passionate about tackling gender discrimination in her community: “The solution is to create a law against gender discrimination so that anyone who commits such offenses can be prosecuted. The Men and Women are Equal campaign should be implemented in the community, in the media, and on social media networks.”
The day was full of inspiring activities. Fitahiana Jessica met with U.S. Ambassador Claire Pierangelo, learned from her experience as a diplomat, and discussed American values, women’s empowerment, and leadership.
After completing her high-school studies, Fitahiana Jessica plans to study law at the University of Antananarivo. To support her aspirations, she met with the embassy’s Human Rights Advisor and received an individualized EducationUSA session to explore study in the United States. Fitahiana Jessica also learned from the embassy interns, who offered an overview of the embassy internship program.
At a dinner celebration, Ambassador Claire Pierangelo shared her advice with women: “When you know what you want to do and you know you are capable, just keep at it. As you go through your life, reach out to others – both women and sympathetic men – for help. And when you succeed, make sure you reach back to help other women get ahead as well.”
We extend our special thanks to the British Embassy for including the U.S. embassy in the first Ambassador for a Day program in Madagascar! We offer our sincere congratulations to the three winners of the competition and wish them the best of luck!
Enjoy pictures of the celebration here:
