Women's Association

There are currently two women's associations within Velondriake - located in Andavadoaka and Lamboara – whose primary goal is to provide local women with a financial supplement to octopus harvesting. Once every six weeks, the women's association in Andavadoaka caters a meal for all Blue Ventures volunteers and staff, where they also perform traditional dances and sell handmade craft items. The Andavadoaka association has received training in embroidery and tailoring from Malagasy experts in order to increase the quality and marketability of their handicrafts. In addition, the women have recently finished construction of a house where they can showcase their crafts, hold meetings and have a clean, private space to do embroidery and sewing away from the distractions and noise of children and relatives.

For more information about thewomen's association please read the report, The Womens Associations of Andavadoaka and Lamboara, Southwest Madagascar at the Blue Ventures website.