Mauritius partners with Expertise France on Lumin’Îles initiative

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare has formalised a partnership with Expertise France for the implementation of the Lumin’Îles Project, following the signing of a Protocol d’Accord on 30 April 2026 at Le Suffren Hotel & Marina in Port Louis.

Funded by the Agence française de développement, this regional initiative will be implemented in Mauritius, Madagascar and Comoros until 31 March 2029, with a total budget of €10 million, of which around 24% is allocated to Mauritius. The project aims to strengthen the economic empowerment of women, notably by addressing constraints related to access to childcare, and improving working conditions.

The Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie; the French Ambassador to Mauritius, Mr Frédéric Bontems; as well as other eminent personalities were present on the occasion.

In her address, the Minister highlighted that the Lumin’Îles Project establishes a structured partnership to support childcare systems, promote women’s economic empowerment, and support coordinated policy action in Mauritius within a regional framework. By focusing on the economic empowerment of women through childcare and the improvement of working conditions, Lumin'Îles tackles structural barriers that directly influence women’s ability to participate in economic life and to contribute equally to the development of the society, she stated.

According to Mrs Navarre-Marie, this project will help strengthen policies, improve the quality of data systems and foster innovative solutions at national level, while drawing on international best practices. She remarked that by bringing Mauritius, Madagascar, and Comoros together onto a common platform, the initiative promotes a coordinated approach to shared challenges and fosters the exchange of experiences, the pooling of knowledge, and stronger regional synergies.

The Minister moreover reaffirmed Government’s commitment to this partnership with the France and its dedication to fully contributing to the success of the initiative. She expressed confidence that, through this collaboration, stakeholders will be able to drive lasting change, strengthen women’s empowerment, support families, and build a more equitable society for all.

04 May 2026

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Topics: Gender, Others