GIS – 08 March 2026: “Government places women at the centre of national development”, stated the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening structures and policies that advocate equal opportunities for women, inclusive growth, social justice, and shared prosperity for all citizens.
The Prime Minister was speaking today at a ceremony held at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex to mark International Women’s Day (IWD), observed annually on 08 March. The theme for this year’s observance is “Rights. Justice. Action. For all Women and Girls”.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Paul Raymond Bérenger; the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie; Ministers; Members of the National Assembly; and the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh, also attended the event.
On the occasion, prizes were awarded to winners of competitions organised in the context of IWD 2026 for pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary students, as well as the general public.
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister highlighted Mauritius’ long-standing commitment to the advancement and protection of women’s rights. He paid tribute to several Mauritian women who, throughout the nation’s history, have courageously championed for equality and justice, contributing significantly to important milestones in the country’s social progress. He acknowledged the increasing presence of women in leadership positions, while noting that women still remain underrepresented in the private sector, with only around 10% serving as Chief Executive Officers.
As regards women’s representation in the political sphere, the Prime Minister indicated that the Southern African Development Community recommends a minimum of 30% female representation in Parliament, deploring that Mauritius currently stands at approximately 18%. To this end, he stated that a new electoral reform aimed at ensuring more equitable representation in Parliament is underway.
Concerning the drug scourge and the rise in crime, Dr Ramgoolam stressed that the planned establishment of the National Crime Agency will reaffirm law and order as a top priority of Government.
The Prime Minister further emphasised the need to change mindsets and attitudes, stressing the vital role of education in empowering women to understand their rights and ensuring that men are also aware of these rights so as to foster a culture of respect and equality. Initiatives such as the NICE programme will be re-implemented in schools to instil discipline and positive values in students from an early age, particularly regarding respect for women, he reassured.
The Deputy Prime Minister, for his part, expressed concern over domestic violence, noting that 86.6% of victims are women. He deplored that despite the significant progress made by women over the years, they hold just 64% of the legal rights enjoyed by men. He observed that conflicts, repression and political tensions on the regional and international stage are weakening the rule of law, while emphasising the urgency for stronger action and protection.
Mr Bérenger moreover expressed confidence that the upcoming electoral reforms will encourage women to play a key role in shaping the socio-economic and political landscape of Mauritius.
As for Minister Navarre-Marie, she highlighted women’s resilience and contributions across business, entrepreneurship, politics, and society. She likewise addressed the continuing threats of gender-based violence and the impact of the drug scourge on women, stressing that her Ministry is currently working on the Domestic Abuse Bill, which will cover physical, financial, psychological, and emotional violence, while strengthening legal obligations and enhancing support mechanisms.
In addition, the Minister advocated for gender equality education in schools and reaffirmed Mauritius’ commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5, reinforcing national efforts to protect and empower women.
The UN Resident Coordinator commended the Government for its commitment to advancing gender equality and safeguarding the rights of women. Ms Singh called for continued action and reinforced laws to address gender-based violence, which still remains a major challenge.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov
