IMAGE shows some very happy Malagasy children near Beforona, Madagascar juxtaposed against lowland rice fields, slash-and-burn agriculture, and a non-native tree line. © Image by Buck Denton

The Malagasy government is trying to change social policy or taboo, which discriminates against twins. In Madagascar, twins are considered fady or taboo, and families are sometimes forced to separate twins or give them up altogether. From Reuters South Africa:

A victim of superstition on her Indian Ocean island home, 29-year-old Zaely never knew her twin sister, who was raised by somebody else.

They were born in southeast Madagascar’s Mananjary district, where locals believe twins bring bad luck. Unlucky parents are forced to give them up, or be ostracised by their neighbours.

“I have looked for her, but with no result,” said Zaely, who makes a living selling handicrafts.

Local taboos, or fady, are a major part of daily life on the giant island nation off Africa’s east coast, which has long fascinated anthropologists with its unique mix of cultures.

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“I had to abandon my twins 10 years ago,” said Voahirana Ruphine, a 40-year-old teacher. “I have not seen them since.”

Since 1987, two Mananjary orphanages have received 236 abandoned twins, officials say.

But Madagascar may now be cracking down.

First comes a four-year scheme to raise awareness and try to break support for the taboo, including discussions with local leaders, parents and children, combined with media campaigns.

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“A law is being prepared to reinforce the protection of twins,” Laurette Randrianantenaina, director of judicial reform at Madagascar’s justice ministry, told Reuters.

She said the new legislation was likely to give more powers to police and judges to intervene on behalf of parents and children under pressure from the local communities.

The island of Madagascar is known for its biodiversity, diverse landscapes, and diverse cultures. As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Madagascar, I recommend Madagascar to anyone seeking an extra special exotic vacation. The people are welcoming and nature is generally benign. However, make sure your medications, vaccinations, and knowledge of tropical diseases are sufficient for travel to Madagascar.