President Gokhool reiterates commitment to Gender Equality and Shared Responsibility

The President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Dharambeer Gokhool, reiterated Government’s commitment to building a society where men and women act as partners in advancing human dignity, social justice and gender equality and shared responsibility for all. He was speaking, today at the Mauritius Prison Service in Beau Bassin, during a ceremony organised to mark International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Rights, Action and Justice for All Women and Girls.” The Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Arianne Navarre-Marie; the Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram; the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh; the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative, Dr Abdou Salam Gueye; and the Commissioner of Prisons, Mr Premnathsingh Jokhoo, were present. In his keynote address, President Gokhool highlighted Government’s vision to enhance the status and dignity of women in society in different areas, in line with Government Programme 2025-2029 – “A bridge to the Future”. The President commended the MPS for its capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering women detainees, including training in pastry making, food production, garment making, handicrafts, hairdressing and vegetable farming. He also enumerated the various educational programmes ranging from basic literacy and numeracy to language training for foreign detainees, as well as activity-based learning such as sustainable recycling and socio-emotional development. He encouraged the institution to expand these opportunities beyond traditional gender roles, enabling both women and men to pursue skills and trades historically dominated by the other. Referring to legislative reforms, President Gokhool referred to the forthcoming National Crime Agency Bill, which will establish a more robust and innovative framework to address evolving forms of crime. He also welcomed progress on the Draft Domestic Abuse Bill aimed at strengthening the legal framework to prevent domestic abuse and ensure greater protection, dignity and justice for victims. Furthermore, he took note of the proposals of the Commissioner of Prisons regarding measures to further strengthen the rehabilitation of offenders. For her part, Minister Navarre-Marie emphasised the importance of rehabilitating detainees through dignity, respect and empowerment, enabling them to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. As for Junior Minister Babooram, she enumerated the health care facilities provided to detainees, including clinical examinations and screening programmes similar to those available to the wider population. Dr Gueye reiterated the WHO’s commitment to advancing initiatives that enable every woman to lead a healthy life, while Ms Singh, highlighted the resilience of women detainees and stressed the importance of facilitating their reintegration into society. As for Commissioner Jokhoo, he reaffirmed the MPS’s commitment to justice and action for all women and girls, including those within correctional institutions.

09 March 2026

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Topics: Gender, Justice