In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Madagascar Muaythai Federation, together with the GISL Muaythai Club, organized a special event in Antananarivo titled “MUAYTHAI GIRL,” dedicated to empowering women through the art, culture, and values of Muaythai.
The initiative brought together nearly 100 women from across Madagascar, many stepping onto the Muaythai mats for the very first time. The event created a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where participants could discover the sport while building confidence, strength, solidarity, and above all enjoying the spirit and fun of Muaythai.
More than simply an introduction to the sport, the event reflected the deeper mission of Muaythai — promoting respect, discipline, resilience, and self-belief, values that strongly align with the principles of the Olympic Movement. For many participants, the experience went beyond physical training; it served as a powerful reminder that sport can inspire and empower. It also reflects why the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) has embraced gender equality for more than 25 years, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to participate, lead, and succeed within the global Muaythai community.
The vision for MUAYTHAI GIRL was first developed in Madagascar two years ago, inspired by the global IFMA vision of equality and inclusion. The aim was to create a platform where women could come together in a a safe and inspiring environment, release stress through movement, and express their strength through the values of martial arts and sport. The successful first edition transformed this vision into reality, bringing together a dynamic community of women united by the spirit of Muaythai.
The event was organized by Carine Alida Razanajatovo, President of the GISL Muaythai Club, with technical supervision from Ajarn Gildas André Razanajatovo, an international instructor trained at the Rangsit Muaythai Institute in Thailand, under the auspices of the World Muaythai Council (WMC) and the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), ensuring that authentic Muaythai knowledge and tradition were shared with all participants.
The initiative enjoys the full support of the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sport, highlighting the strong national commitment to the development of Muaythai. Globally, Muaythai is governed by IFMA, the world governing body recognized by the International Olympic Committee, together with the World Muaythai Council (WMC).
The event was also supported by IFMA Indian Ocean under the leadership of President Mr. Sham Seetaram, demonstrating the growing momentum of Muaythai across the Indian Ocean region and Africa, where the sport continues to expand opportunities for youth and women alike.
Special appreciation was extended to Mr. Charles van der Straeten from Henri Fraise, the patron of the event, along with partners and members of the local sporting community whose support helped make the initiative possible.
The overwhelming enthusiasm and participation demonstrated the strong potential for the continued development of women’s Muaythai in Madagascar and the wider region. Organizers hope that MUAYTHAI GIRL will become a regular platform, inspiring more women to discover Muaythai and become part of a growing global movement where sport empowers communities, strengthens equality, and builds confidence for the next generation.
As Muaythai continues its journey on the global sporting stage, initiatives such as MUAYTHAI GIRL highlight how the sport serves not only as a discipline of skill and tradition, but also as a powerful tool for empowerment, inclusion, and unity across cultures and regions.
