Madagascar Launches the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions in the Ministry of Environment

The journey toward more inclusive and gender-responsive public institutions in Madagascar has taken an important step forward. In July 2026, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with Madagascar’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD), officially launched the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions in Morondava. This milestone marks the beginning of a long-term institutional transformation process that seeks to make gender equality a measurable, strategic, and accountable component of public governance.

Advancing Gender Equality Through Public Institutions

Public institutions play a central role in shaping development outcomes. They design policies, manage budgets, deliver public services, and influence the lives of women and men in different ways. Yet institutional processes that appear gender-neutral can often produce unequal results if gender considerations are not intentionally integrated into planning, budgeting, and decision-making.

The Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions, a global UNDP initiative, provides a practical roadmap for institutions to assess and strengthen their performance on gender equality. The programme recognizes and rewards commitment and results, while supporting institutions in embedding gender-responsive approaches across their operations and policies.

For the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Seal is particularly relevant. Environmental governance and climate action are closely linked to gender equality, especially in contexts where women play a leading role in natural resource management. The launch reflects the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that its governance systems and environmental programmes respond more effectively to the needs and realities of all people.

Building Capacity for Lasting Change

The launch was followed by a three-day intensive training for members of Gender Equality Committee. The training focused on deepening participants’ understanding of the Seal methodology while creating a network of internal focal points capable of leading and supporting implementation across the institution. This capacity-building component is a cornerstone of the Seal process. By equipping staff with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to drive institutional change, the programme helps ensure that gender equality becomes an integral part of day-to-day decision-making and organizational culture.

Voices of Commitment

The launch highlighted strong institutional ownership and ambition for change.

“The Gender Equality Seal is important and strategic for the Ministry. It positions us as a modern administration and could make us the first certified public institution in Madagascar. It will help us strengthen our impact on the ground, particularly as 70% of natural resource managers are women, and improve access to some climate financing opportunities.”
Ratrimoson Nirinahoelisoa, Technical Support Officer, Directorate General of Environmental Governance, MEDD

“We are not only formalizing the launch of the Gender Equality Seal process within our institution, but also reaffirming our commitment to making gender equality the driving force behind our governance and actions.”
Zamany Heriniana Rufin, Secretary General, MEDD

“This launch symbolizes the official beginning of the Gender Equality Seal process within the Ministry and the technical and strategic support that accompanies it. The Ministry commits itself to a path of excellence in gender equality and more inclusive governance.”
Jean François Dubuisson, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Madagascar

Looking Ahead

The launch of the Seal is the starting point of a broader transformation process. Through the Gender Equality Seal, Madagascar is strengthening the foundations for a public administration that not only promotes gender equality as a principle, but also measures progress, identifies gaps, and remains accountable for results.

As implementation advances, trained Gender Equality Committee will help drive change from within, ensuring that gender equality is integrated into institutional practices, policies, and programmes. The experience of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development demonstrates how environmental sustainability and gender equality can reinforce one another. The Gender Equality Seal offers a practical framework to turn commitment into action, helping public institutions build more effective, inclusive, and accountable governance systems for the benefit of all.