Rajaonarimampianina became the country's first lady in January 2014. She has called for investors to create employment opportunities for Malagasy women, especially in the arts, agriculture and textile industries.[2]
On 26 June 2016 Rajaonarimampianina attended National Day celebrations while wearing a white-and-green, pineapple-themed Dolce & Gabbana dress valued at an estimated $7,745 U.S. dollars, the equivalent of 20 million Malagasy ariary.[3][4] The first lady's choice of attire quickly ignited a fierce debate across Madagascar's media and social media platforms.[3] In a country where 92% of the population is classified as poor, including the 53% of residents who live in extreme poverty, much of the discussion focused on the high cost of the garment.[3] Malagasy social media users and local media released a flood of pineapple-centric memes and political cartoons poking fun and criticism at the pricey dress, while the hashtag #mananasy, which translates as pineapple in Malagasy, began trending within days of the event.[4]
In February 2023, Voahangy Rajaonarimampianina was sentenced to a one-year suspended prison sentence, together with a fine of one million ariary. She was found guilty of aiding and abetting perjury.[5]
