The East Madagascar Conference (EMC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has officially opened its Women's Ministries Congress at Mahavelona Foulpointe on 29 July 2026, under the theme "Woman of Faith, Light of the World."

The congress runs for seven days, from 26 July to 2 August 2026, and has drawn women from across the four regional districts of the EMC: Ambatosoa, Alaotra-Mangoro, Atsinanana, and Analanjirofo. Programming includes training seminars, keynote presentations, prayer sessions, sports activities, and cultural performances celebrating the diversity of the districts represented.

The opening ceremony drew both church leadership and civic authorities. Attending were Sister Margery Herinirina, Women's Ministries Director of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID), and Sister Tsararindra Raherinjatovo, Women's Ministries Director of the Indian Ocean Union Conference (IOUC). The IOUC delegation also included the Family Ministries, Education, and Communication Directors. Civic attendees included the Mayor of Mahavelona Foulpointe, the host municipality, and the Technical Advisor of the Eastern Region.

Sister Raherinjatovo delivered the opening devotional message, drawing on Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." She said faith is not intended to remain hidden but is called to shine in the surroundings where God has placed each believer, and that being a "Woman of Faith, Light of the World" means dedicating one's life, talents, and testimony to the service of God and others.

Sister Herinirina reminded delegates of the value and contribution of Seventh-day Adventist women in every area of life, and encouraged them to continue using their talents, faith, and abilities in service to God, the Church, their families, and their communities.

The visiting civic authorities also addressed the congress. Both municipal and regional officials highlighted the significance of the congress theme and reaffirmed the role of women in society. The Technical Advisor of the Eastern Region formally declared the congress open, encouraging participants to make the most of the training and fellowship opportunities on offer.

The opening was followed by cultural performances and parades from the EMC's four constituent districts.

The EMC Women's Ministries Congress forms part of a broader concentration of Union-level activity currently underway at Mahavelona Foulpointe, which is also hosting the Indian Ocean Union Conference Media Congress from 30 July to 2 August 2026.