Budget 2026-27 Strengthens Gender Equality, Protection for Victims and Child Welfare

In a move to promote a more inclusive and equitable society, Budget 2026-27 sets out a series of measures to advance gender equality, boost women's economic participation, and reinforce protection for children and victims of abuse, the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, announced in the National Assembly on 19 June 2026.

Accordingly, to promote gender equality across all sectors, the National Gender Policy will be extended to ensure the systematic integration of gender considerations in decision-making processes. In support of women’s economic empowerment, Rs 5 million have been allocated for a dedicated women-focused incubator under the SME scheme to encourage entrepreneurship and business development.

A legislative proposal will also be introduced to require a minimum of 25 percent female representation on the boards of parastatal bodies. In addition, legal provisions will be amended to remove the requirement for spousal consent for women applying for loans, thereby enhancing financial autonomy.

Moreover, a She-Invents Programme will be set up to further promote women in research and innovation.

The Budget also places a strong emphasis on strengthening protection mechanisms for victims of abuse and enhancing coordinated responses to gender-based violence.

Thus, legislative reforms will be introduced to strengthen the legal framework against domestic violence. Breaches of protection orders will be criminalised, and a new Domestic Abuse Bill will reinforce the effectiveness of protection mechanisms. A Gender-Based Violence Coordination Committee will also be set up to ensure a rapid and coordinated multi-agency response to incidents of abuse.

As for support measures for victims of gender-based violence, these will include training programmes aimed at promoting financial independence and long-term reintegration into society, while enhanced protection of children will be pursued through a series of institutional and legal reforms. A new National Adoption Bill will establish a modern legal framework for adoption and provide for the creation of a dedicated Adoption Authority.

Budget 2026-27 also makes provision for the Foster Care Advisory Unit to be reinforced, and foster care regulations to be reviewed so as to streamline assessment procedures for prospective foster parents and expand the national pool of qualified foster families.

In addition, Rs 10 million has been earmarked for the establishment of new shelters, specialised caregiver training, and a halfway home to support vulnerable children and families in distress.

22 June 2026

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Topics: Gender, Others