Gender based violence involves any harmful threat or act directed at an individual or group based on actual or perceived biological sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation and/or lack of adherence to varying socially constructed norms around masculinity and femininity. Globally an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life that is 30% of women aged 15 and older. This figure does not include sexual harassment.[1] 

The women in Mauritius fare no better with the latest available figures showing that around 24% of women had experienced some form of GBV. and it should be noted that cases of violence and abuse within the confines of a home, cases against vulnerable people such as people with disability are often unreported.[2] This comes at a significant cost not just to the women concerned but to their families, their communities and to the country. With gender-based violence, - No One Wins; Everyone Loses.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Lisa Singh in her opening remarks reiterated the United Nations Commitment to Leave No One Behind in this fight against violence and call for collective action:

“At the United Nations, we remain committed to our promise to Leave No One Behind. The annual global campaign signifies a crucial period for us to deeply reflect on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and recommit ourselves to its eradication. It is a call to action. A call to unite, to advocate, and to stand up against gender-based violence. By working together, we can transform our societies into places where equality, dignity, and respect prevail.”

To set the scene for the panel discussion, the Australian High Commission previewed a series of short videos under its Green Flag Project, a campaign to promote male allyship as an essential and often overlooked lever for impactful strategies to fight against GBV. The objective is to encourage positive masculinity and healthier gender roles. This campaign is run in collaboration with local NGO, Passerelle.

 The panel discussion entitled “Breaking the Silence - Exploring solutions to end Gender-Based Violence” provided the opportunity to start a conversation on strategies to address violence against women and girls in society and catalyze action. Recognizing that issues such as GBV impact all of society, therefore, require a whole of society approach the panellists comprised representatives from government, the diplomatic community, civil society and the private sector.

 Regarding the existing Mauritian policies and laws panellist Ms. Mokshda Pertaub, Director, M Power (non-governmental organization, NGO) underscored that although the laws exist against GBV but on ground the implementation of the laws does not support the victim from the frontliners to the law courts. She also highlighted that the level of violence has escalated and ‘femicide is a reality in Mauritius.’

 According to a study conducted by Business Mauritius over 75% of female respondents and around 60% of male respondents perceive a worsening in sexist behaviours and sexual harassment at work. As such, Mr. Kevin Ramkaloan, CEO, Business Mauritius shared that one of the key conclusions of the study is that inequalities are not defined by the workplace but by societal attitudes, which need to be addressed if we are to overcome GBV.

 High Commissioner, H.E. Ms. Kate Chamley outlined the alarming rates of gender-based violence in Australia and discussed her country’s new strategy titled “Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality” designed to drive action on women’s safety, sharing and valuing care, economic equality, women’s health, and women’s leadership, representation and decision making. It’s really a call to action for the whole community and the whole economy.”

 U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius, H.E. Mr. Henry Jardine shared how the United States is providing support to community leaders and local authorities to address the root causes and support victims of gender-based violence.  Ambassador Jardine said, “The United States is committed to continuous efforts to address the scourge of gender-based violence through educational programs, advocacy, and support for victims.  Through the U.S. Department of State’s exchange programs, we send young Mauritian professionals to the United States every year. They gain valuable insight that enables them to impact their local communities.  Over the last decade, the U.S. Embassy has hosted workshops to strengthen the capacity of police, prosecutors, and healthcare professionals to prosecute sex traffickers and care for victims of gender-based violence.”

 While the representative from the European Union Mr. Marios Vitos, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Delegation of the EU to Mauritius underscored : “The EU through its actions both domestically and across the world sends an unwavering message that all forms of sexual and gender-based violence are unacceptable and must be met with accountability measures. In Mauritius, the dedicated annual Gender Policy Dialogue with the Ministry of Gender Equality & Family Welfare, bears testimony of our joint efforts to place gender equality and girls and women's empowerment at the top of our agenda.”

 The panel discussion sparked a lively Q&A session with the audience regarding the significant tangible and intangible costs of GBV to the victims/survivors, and communities and an exploration of opportunities for concrete action. The French Embassy representative highlighted that “…women's rights and gender equality is a first-rate priority of [France’s] foreign policy. France is in the process of finalizing a new strategy for feminist diplomacy. It uses all the instruments at its disposal to combat violence against women. This year, France initiated a laboratory for the rights of women online, a project involving various stakeholders, such as States, international organisations, NGOs, digital platforms and researchers. France also authored a resolution with the Netherlands at the 79th UN General Assembly on the elimination of violence against women and girls in a digital environment.”

 The United Nations in Mauritius will be collaborating on another joint action with our partners during the 16 Days to raise awareness among youth of gender based violence with an academic University Quiz Challenge.

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Panel:

Ms. Anushka Virahsawmy, Director Gender Links (Moderator)

H.E. Ms. Kate Chamley, Australian High Commissioner

H.E. Mr. Henry Jardine, U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius

Mr. Marios Vitos, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the Delegation of the European Union to Mauritius

Mrs Jayseeree BHUNJUN , Head of the Family Welfare and Protection Unit,  Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare

Ms. Mokshda Pertaub, Director, M Power

[1] UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls | UN Women – Headquarters

[2] PMO - National Strategy TP FINAL WEB.pdf (govmu.org)