Our 2022 YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship alumnus Mirado Rakotoharimalala and his American counterpart Aaron Peterson, a YALI Instructor from Arizona State University, have been selected for the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 component of the YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship. The Reciprocal Exchange enables U.S. business professionals, industry experts, and civil society leaders to engage with YALI alumni throughout Sub-Saharan Africa on collaborative projects of mutual benefit to U.S. and African communities. Mirado and Aaron’s collaboration will empower women in the field of sports through The Future is Feminine project. The one-week conference will train 10 Malagasy women in leadership and sports management.
On April 19, Public Diplomacy Officer Laseanta Stafford delivered opening remarks at the official launch of The Future is Feminine at Institut National des Sciences Comptables et de l’Administration des Entreprises (INSCAE). The project kicked off with a lively panel discussion on breaking stereotypes of women in sports. Guests heard from influential women in Malagasy sports, including, Rosa Rakotozafy, General Director of Sport at the Ministry of Youth and Sports; Donatienne Rasoampamonjy Ambassador of Female Rugby in Africa; and Ranja Mahatovo, General Secretary of the Malagasy Soccer Federation. Panelists shared inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and breaking gender barriers in male-dominated sports.