GIS – 10 Mar 2025: Government will take the necessary measures to build a more equitable, just, inclusive and progressive society while promoting gender equality, advocating for women’s rights and tackling the drug scourge in Mauritius.
This was the gist of the statement made by the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, today at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute Auditorium in Moka, on the occasion of the International Women’s Day observed on 08 March each year.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Paul Raymond Bérenger; the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Ms Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie; the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Ms Anishta Babooram; the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra; Ministers; Junior Ministers; the United Nations Coordinator Multi-Country Office for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh; and other eminent personalities were also present.
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister observed that the theme of International Women’s Day 2025, ‘For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’, calls for everyone to rally behind women, particularly young women and adolescent girls, to break the chains of discrimination and create a future where everybody has equal rights, power and opportunities to thrive.
Acknowledging that there is still progress to be achieved as regards gender parity in Mauritius, the Prime Minister recalled that Government has appointed several women in leadership positions in both public and parastatal bodies namely the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chief Whip, three Ministers and four Junior Ministers as well as the appointment of women in significant positions at the level of the Bank of Mauritius, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Prime Minister’s Office. He also lauded the women parliamentarians who are performing exceptionally well at the Rodrigues Regional Assembly.
Speaking about the drug scourge in the country, Dr Ramgoolam expressed his resolve and determination to tackle this menace. He highlighted that the newly appointed Commissioner of Police has reorganised the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit and that the National Drug Policy, Monitoring and Coordination Agency has been set up to combat drug trafficking, provide rehabilitation and support families of victims of drug abuse. According to the Prime Minister, laws will be reinforced and drug victims will benefit from proper treatment and rehabilitation.
For his part, the Deputy Prime Minister said that a change needs to be brought to the electoral system for enhanced democracy and increased feminine presence. The forthcoming Municipal elections, added Mr Bérenger, will see the participation of more women. He underlined that Government will appoint maximum women in leadership positions in both public and parastatal bodies.
As for Minister Navarre-Marie, she recalled that the Mauritian woman has access to education and work, but still faces several challenges. She spoke of gender-based violence, drugs, lack of infrastructure such as kindergarten at the workplace and Day Care Centres for the elderly, unequal pay, sexual harassment, as well as insufficient women participation in politics and the workforce in general.
She dwelt on the need for a Gender Policy to remedy any gender inequality or inequity that still persists in our society. According to her, a new paradigm shift is of utmost importance as well as the empowerment men as allies to champion gender equality.
Junior Minister Babooram, for her part, announced that a Constitutional review will soon be taking place to ensure gender inclusivity in the Parliament. She affirmed Government’s determination to promote gender equality and push the feminine cause to the forefront. She also stressed on the strength of women solidarity as a collective action to achieve political goals, oppose discrimination, and end violence against women.
Award Ceremony
The celebration of the International Women’s Day was also marked by an award ceremony to reward seven women and girls who have excelled the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Sports; and Disciplined Forces.
In the field of STEM, three laureates namely Ms Tow Nam Chloe Reese Cameron from GMD Atchia State College and Ms Juman Bibi Aisha Siddiqua and Ms Leung Siong Fat Kelly Jade Mie Lie from the Queen Elizabeth College were awarded shields. In the sports field, Ms Ranini Cundasawmy, National Muay Thai Champion; Ms Noemi Alphonse, paralympic athlete; and Ms Kimberley Le Court de Billot, professional racing cyclist, were also handed over shields.
In the Disciplined Forces category, the Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Police and only female pilot of the Helicopter Squadron, Ms Souvarna Ramjee-Essoo, was also presented with a shield.
The International Women Day celebrations concluded with a cultural programme comprising a slam, a song and dance performances.
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
