Half of the World’s population consists of women. However, over centuries women hardly had any rights and had been treated as second-class citizens. They were expected to do the household chores and brought up children and it was a male dominated world. They suffered in silence and they did not dare sharing what they were living in their everyday life. For years women have been abused and oppressed and it is being noted that it is only at the end of the l9th century that women started to claim their rights. In Mauritius, as from l948, some of our rights have been acknowledged.

It cannot be denied that the last Government has done a lot for women but there is still much to be done to continue promoting the rights of women. Promoting the rights of women is in fact promoting the rights of human kind. We do contribute a lot for a better and safer society. The past Government has achieved commendable success in social integration of women while at the same time promote equal opportunities for us through a strong social program. Positive development had taken place with respect to the increase in women’s employment, the promotion of the Human Rights and our economic independence and the preservation of our dignity. The past Government did make a determined effort to ensure our protection and equal rights for all. We do appreciate the fact that the past Government did not cut down on educational and social benefit program concerning women.

To-day, in Mauritius, we express much concern regarding the widespread nature of violence against women and its acute consequences. Everyday women are being beaten up and sexually abused. The crime rate is in fact very frightening for a small island like Mauritius. Everyday women are dispossessed of their personal belongings such as mobile, necklace, handbags and purses. There is also a considerable rise in crime against women. Laws regarding the Protection of Women should be regularly revised and enforced.
Citizens of Mauritius are losing confidence in the Law enforcement Authorities and this explains the reason why some people has started taking the law into their hands to protect themselves.

To eradicate domestic violence, which is still a major problem, what is more important is the enforcement and implementation of Laws. Empowerment of women and children too is important. The present Government lacks leadership and motivation to continue promoting our financial autonomy and implementing of Legal Provisions for our Protection and Equal Opportunities. Government is fully responsible to protect its citizens from abuse, be it physical, sexual and mental. If appropriate and concrete actions are not taken now, we will continue fearing for our safety.

Over the years the status of women has undergone considerable change and it is not now that we will stop. Our continuous struggle on all fronts continues.