Tribute to Professor Jacqueline Ravelomanana

The Malagasy academic community is in mourning following the passing of Professor Jacqueline Ravelomanana-Randrianjafinimanana, renowned historian, researcher and lecturer.

A passionate educator, she dedicated her life to teaching and research, mentoring many generations of students. A specialist in gender issues, her work made a significant contribution to our understanding of the history of education and the status of young girls in Madagascar, particularly during the colonial and pre-colonial periods.

Beyond her intellectual rigour, those who knew her remember her as an attentive and generous woman, deeply committed to academic life. She also developed her artistic side through painting, offering a personal perspective on Malagasy culture.

Professor Jacqueline Ravelomanana-Randrianjafinimanana leaves us with memories of a devoted teacher and a researcher whose commitment will continue to inspire Malagasy academic life.

In 2025, the Villèle History Museum had the honour of inviting her to contribute to the collection of academic texts on its website, dedicated to the history of slavery in the Indian Ocean. Her article, entitled ‘Slavery in Madagascar: forgotten royal slaves’, was published on the museum’s digital portal to mark the commemoration of the abolition of slavery in Réunion on 20th December.