New Domestic Violence Law Set to Strengthen Legal Protections

At the beginning of last week, a workshop focused on developing a national action plan for women, peace, and security (WPS) was held in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. The event, initiated by the Ministry of Gender Equality in collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) secretariat, aimed to raise awareness among national stakeholders about the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.

During the workshop, Minister Koonjoo-Shah announced plans for a new bill addressing domestic violence, seeking to enhance legal protections for victims and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

“This proposed legislation will provide critical safeguards for those affected by domestic violence and ensure that offenders face appropriate consequences,” Koonjoo-Shah stated.

The proposed national action plan is based on four essential pillars: prevention, participation, protection, and relief and recovery.

The minister emphasized that these pillars are fundamental to building a safer society for all, especially for women and girls.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening family structures and values as essential pillars of society while actively combating all forms of violence, including domestic abuse.

This commitment will be supported through initiatives such as the high-level committee led by Pravind Jugnauth focused on eliminating gender inequality.

To further advance the WPS agenda in Mauritius, Koonjoo-Shah announced the establishment of a technical working group within the police department, in collaboration with other key stakeholders, to oversee the comprehensive implementation of the national action plan.

This group will be guided by a national steering committee that will provide a platform for collaboration.

The minister urged cooperation among the government, civil society, and international partners to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in Mauritius.

The interim head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Fatuma Hassan Musa, and SADC representative Kealeboga Kelly Dambuza-Chifani, among other dignitaries, attended the meeting.

Musa highlighted the UNDP’s support for advancing gender equality in Mauritius, noting the launch of the Lespwar mobile application, allowing victims of gender-based violence to report incidents quickly.

“Protecting women and girls while respecting their dignity is imperative in society,” she asserted.

Dambuza-Chifani explained that the SADC’s mandate focuses on promoting sustainable economic growth and socio-economic development through regional integration, good governance, and sustained peace and security.

He took the opportunity to commend Mauritius for developing its national WPS action plan, which “will enhance women’s participation in peace and security processes.”

He added that eight member states have already developed their respective national action plans.

Source: Le Mauricien