Rodrigues Adopts Landmark Gender Equality Policy

Rodrigues has taken a “historic step” towards gender parity with the official adoption of its new Gender Equality Policy. The move, which lays out seven clear priorities ranging from women’s economic empowerment to combating gender-based violence, was formally announced on Tuesday, September 23.

Key Priorities and Official Handover

The new policy embodies a shared vision: to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society. The formal document was handed over by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Arianne Navarre-Marie, to the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Christiane Agathe.

The seven clear and ambitious priorities are:

• Accelerated economic empowerment of women to break the “feminisation of poverty.”
• Promoting equality in education.
• Encouraging a healthy lifestyle and well-being for all.
• Strengthening women’s participation in decision-making bodies.
• Combating gender-based violence (a particular focus).
• Improving gender-sensitive communication and media coverage.
• Consolidating institutions for effective policy coordination and sustainable monitoring.

Vision and Dignitaries

The adoption ceremony was attended by several key dignitaries, including the European Union (EU) Ambassador, Oskar Benedikt, and the Chief Commissioner of Rodrigues, Franceau Grandcourt.

In her address, Minister Navarre-Marie highlighted that the policy charts a clear vision for a society where “every person, regardless of their gender, has the same opportunities to contribute to the development of Rodrigues.”

She stated that the policy embodies the conviction that “when women and men are treated equally, when families are supported and when young people are empowered, the entire community moves forward.”

The Minister further described the policy as the “fruit of sincere dialogue, attentive listening to Rodriguan realities and a common will to build a fairer society,” and congratulated the Commissioner and the Commission for Women’s Affairs on its adoption.

Source: Le Mauricien