The laureates

Marie Nathassa Razafiarisoa is a Malagasy human rights defender, activist, whistleblower, and community leader committed to social justice, the protection of women and children, and the defense of vulnerable communities in Madagascar, particularly with regard to land rights.

Founder and president of the orgization TTF-SAVA (Tanora Tia Fivoarana SAVA), founded in 2016, she actively works to empower young people, promote local entrepreneurship, foster social cohesion, and defend fundamental rights.

Since 2023, she has led the “Viavy Mifanavotra” project, which aims to support women who are victims of domestic violence in the SAVA region by improving their access to support, a listening ear, and personal recovery.

Her commitment to transparency and her fight against land injustices led her to publicly denounce a dispute over 23 hectares of land in Marotsiazo (Sambava), where several families were threatened with dispossession. For defending these rights through nonviolent means, she was arbitrarily detained for one year and three months (from December 15, 2023, to March 15, 2025) at the Antalaha Central Prison. This ordeal strengthened her determination to fight corruption, judicial malpractice, and violations of fundamental rights—particularly within the prison system—especially for women and children, based on her personal experience.

A Top 8 finalist for the 2025 JIFA Award for “Women Making an Impact on Environmental Justice” and a TED Talk speaker at the International Human Rights Day event organized by the United Nations system in Madagascar on December 10, 2025, Nathassa embodies a new generation of committed, courageous, and resilient leaders.

A writer, blogger, and passionate speaker, she inspires young people to engage in active citizenship, courage, and collective responsibility.

Her commitment is rooted in a strong conviction: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome it” (Nelson Mandela).