International Women’s Day: Minister announces Gender Equality Bill 

The Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare announced that a Gender Equality Bill is in the pipeline. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in the context of the International Women’s Day, Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo stated that the aim is to promote gender equality, help women realise their full potential and ensure their rightful place in society. The new legislation on gender parity will follow the enactment of the Children’s Bill, which is under review at the level of the Ministry. 

Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo underlined that despite the fact that women are gaining ground in several spheres such as education, health care, labour force, among others, discrimination still exists, as women are often denied opportunities. The minister added research has shown that illiteracy, wage disparity and violence against women are much prevalent in societies around the world. 

The minister stated that the celebration of the International Women’s Day is a good reminder that we must all strengthen our efforts towards achieving gender equality. Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo seized the opportunity to recall the need for teaching gender equality to our children as well the importance of inculcating appropriate values and attitudes namely through the sharing of daily tasks and other responsibilities. 

The theme retained by the ministry this year to mark the International Women’s Day in Mauritius is ‘Working towards a Gender Inclusive Society’ (Travay pou egalité zom/fam dan la sosiété). Speaking on activities that will be organised during the whole month of March, Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo explained that they will be focusing on issues relevant to women, their local situation and the challenges they face in different spheres. “This calendar of activities will also provide an opportunity for the ministry to bring together men and women from all walks of life,” she said. The Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare stated that “a gender inclusive society is one which believes in social justice and fairness; to build such a society, the efforts and commitment of each and every one including Government, private sector, civil society organisations and citizens at large, are crucial.”

Main activities 

Annually observed on March 8th, the International Women’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the achievements of women as well as reflect and develop strategies and action plans to address gender gaps and achieve gender equality. 

During the month of March, several activities will be organised by the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare to mark the Day. These started since March 1st at Pointe aux Piments Recreation Centre for the Elderly with an interactive session between three generations of women sharing their experiences in order to inspire young women. On Thursday 2nd March, a youth forum on the theme ‘Fostering a New Generation of Young Women; Advocating for GEWE’ took place at the Gold Crest Hotel. The other activities to be taking place are as follows:

On Saturday 4th March, some 100 teen moms will gather at Salle de Fêtes Plaza in Rose Hill for a workshop on the theme ‘Young Motherhood’. 

Poor/vulnerable women from the region of Grand Port/Savanne will be given a platform on Monday 6th March at La Batelage Restaurant Souillac to voice out their problems. Relevant organisations will be present to take cognizance of the women’s difficulties, offer support as warranted and ensure follow-up actions.  

The minister will pay a visit to four centenarians (2 men and 2 women) in order to acknowledge their contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.

A national gathering will take place at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre on 8th March from 10.30am to noon to celebrate achievements in favour of women. The event will give way to reflect upon strategies on the way forward to bridge all outstanding gender gaps that continue to undermine the attainment of gender equality. It will also be an opportunity for the Government to reiterate its commitment regarding Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE). On the same occasion, the Inter centre competition award ceremony, aiming at motivating officers of women centres to be more proactive and efficient in their task so as to enhance service delivery, will be taking place at the Women Empowerment Centre

Students of secondary schools will, on Monday 30th March and Tuesday 31st March, participate in the second edition of the Model Commission on Status of Women where they will engage in the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment issues.