Gender Equality: Five finalists acknowledged for promoting Women’s Rights through 'Koz Pou Fam'

“Every voice counts in defending the dignity and rights of women, and meaningful change begins when we speak out,” said the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, during the grand finale of ‘Koz Pou Fam’ (Speak for Women) on Friday 27 February 2026, at the Alliance Française de Maurice in Bell Village.

The competition, an initiative organised as part of International Women’s Day 2026, brought together representatives from l’Alliance Française de Maurice, the National Women’s Council, the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund and other distinguished personalities.

The winners of the competition are:

Winner: Mrs Priscilla Natchou

First runner-up: Mr Stewelderson Casimir

Second runner-up: Ms Azeen Havoldar

Third runner-up: Mrs Kely Museliah

Fourth runner-up: Mrs Caroline Baya

In her address, Minister Navarre-Marie expressed pride in the strong participation and enthusiasm throughout the competition, highlighting that it reflects a growing national commitment to women’s rights. At the same time, she confronted the serious reality of gender-based violence in Mauritius, noting that three women have already fallen victim to femicide this year.

The Minister also emphasised that gender equality is achieved gradually through awareness, open dialogue, and the transformation of societal attitudes. She commended the competition for its wide reach across all regions of the island, facilitated through community centres and the support of partner institutions, which allowed many Mauritians to take part in the national conversation.

Mrs Navarre-Marie noted that the large number of participants demonstrates a readiness among citizens to speak out, engage actively, and defend the dignity of women.

Launched in late January 2026, ‘Koz Pou Fam’ is an innovative TED Talk-style national competition that provided Mauritians with a platform to share their perspectives on women’s rights and gender equality. The competition drew some 1,000 participants. From this pool, 18 semi-finalists were selected, two from each district, and five finalists emerged for the grand finale.

Certificates were awarded to the five finalists during the ceremony, while cash prizes will be presented to the winner and the four runners-up on 08 March, marking the official culmination of the initiative in celebration of International Women’s Day.

02 March 2026

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Topics: Gender