25 November 2021, Port Louis

Yesterday, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Mauritius and Seychelles joined the Government of Mauritius to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, the Honourable Pravind Kumar Jugnauth; the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, the Honourable Kalpana Koonjoo-Shah; Ms. Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Resident Representative; senior officers from different ministries; and representatives of Women’s Associations and Members of NGOs.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) celebrated every year throughout the world on 25 November, aims to raise awareness about the different forms of violence women are subject to, including physical, verbal, digital and economic abuse. This year’s theme, ‘Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!”, represents the possibility of a brighter future free of violence against women and girls. The IDEVAW 2021 also launches 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence, which will take place from 25 November to 10 December.

In Mauritius, it is estimated that 1 in 4 women are affected by Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and cases have been increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, in 2020, for the first time in Mauritius, a high-level committee to fight domestic violence was organised. A National Strategy and Action Plan on GBV (2020-2024) was adopted, which provided a roadmap of specific actions to contribute to safer communities. This action plan has been supported by the UNDP through technical and financial assistance towards projects such as the Domestic Violence Perpetrator Rehabilitation Programme; the award-winning mobile application LESPWAR; the Parliamentary Gender Caucus and a study on GBV in Mauritius.

During the event, the Prime Minister, Honourable Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, reiterated a strong political commitment to make the elimination of violence against women and girls a priority: “together, we must uphold our commitment to build a future in which everyone feels safe.”

The Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare emphasised that physical, psychological and sexual violence can have life-long devastating effects on women. She urged everyone to join forces in the fight against GBV: "Every action counts. with a collective effort, we can make a difference."

In her speech, Ms. Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles Resident Representative reaffirmed that “the UNDP will continue to extend its support to stakeholders to build forward better with emphasis on the elimination of GBV, in line with SDG 5.” The Resident Representative also shared the message of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres in the context of IDEVAW 2021.

The ceremony also included the handing over of certificates and hamper kits to survivors of domestic violence, who completed courses in Household Operations, Floral Arrangements, and Hair Dressing, Nails and Beauty Therapy.