National Gender Mainstreaming Framework
The Gender Unit serves as the national gender machinery, overseeing coordination, implementation, and monitoring of gender integration across all Ministries and sectors.
Key Highlights:
• National Gender Policy (2022–2030):
Launched in March 2022 to guide sectoral gender policies and actions.
As of April 2025, 58% of policy recommendations have been implemented.
• Structures Established:
o National Steering Committee on Gender Mainstreaming
o Inter-Ministerial Gender Technical Working Committee (4 meetings held)
o 48 Gender Cells created in Ministries
o Gender mainstreaming extended to Rodrigues (draft policy under development)
• Gender Responsive Budgeting:
Each Ministry receives Rs 200,000 annually to implement gender-responsive programmes.
• Training:
1,413 public officers trained in gender concepts and mainstreaming.
International Collaboration
• European Union Support (Since May 2024):
Ongoing technical assistance to strengthen gender policies in six Ministries.
• UNDP Project (Launched Dec 2022):
“Promoting Women’s Leadership in Public Institutions” with funding of USD 80,000.
• EU Courtesy Call (4 April 2025):
Delegates met with the Hon. Minister to reaffirm support and align priorities under new leadership.
Awareness Tools and Outreach Campaigns
• Animated Cartoon on Gender Equality (Launched 28 Sept 2021):
Funded by the Australian Government through UNDP (Aus $16,000).
o Used by 30 trained officers in public IEC campaigns.
o Reached 541 individuals through awareness sessions.
o 221 beneficiaries engaged in gender-related projects and workshops.
• Awareness Campaigns (July 2024 – March 2025):
Topics include:
o Gender-based violence, gender concepts, digital literacy
o Women’s health, economic empowerment, reproductive health
o Climate change, drug abuse, and domestic violence
o Conducted across 8 Women Empowerment Centres and 1 Wellness Centre
Total reach: 4,400 women
Parastatal Structures
• National Women’s Council (NWC):
o Established 1985 under the NWC Act 2016
o Works with 400 affiliated associations
o Adopts a Gender and Development approach
• National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC):
o Established 1999
o Main agency supporting women entrepreneurs (1,000 registered)
o Implements 8 recommendations from the National Strategy for Women Entrepreneurship
o Serves as Mauritius' Chapter of the COMESA Federation of Women in Business
o Aims to become the national apex body for women entrepreneurs
Women Empowerment & Wellness Centres
Six centres across Mauritius serve as hubs for women to gain confidence, acquire skills, and access services. The Floreal Centre was converted into a Wellness Centre for Women in October 2022.
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Activities Offered Across Centres:
| Baie Du Tombeau WEC | Flacq WEC | Lallmatie WEC | Rose Hill WEC | Floreal Wellness Centre | Dagotière WEC | Paillotte WEC |
| - Adult Literacy
- Food Processing
- Sustainable Development and Food Security
- Healthy Vegetarian Cooking
- Dressmaking
- Beauty Care
| - Aerobics
- Adult Literacy
- Zumba Fitness
- Beauty Care
- Yoga
- Dress Making
| - Handcrafts: Beads, Hand Embroidery, Crochet
- Fusion Painting
- Bag Making
- Yoga
| - Tai Chi
- Gym
- Yoga
- Exercise to Music
- Chair Exercise 65+
- Exercise for Health
| - Zumba
- Crochet
- Yoga
- Adult Literacy
- Dress Making
- Recycling on Textile Fabrics
| - Yoga
- Hand Embroidery
- Fabric Painting
- Crochet
- Adult Literacy
- Tai Chi
- Sewing Class
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| Courses on Offers: | Awareness Sessions: |
| - Programme d'accompagnement des Familles
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| - Talks on Sexual And Reproductive Health
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| - Campaigns on Legal Literacy
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| - Digital Empowerment Session / It Literacy through It Caravan
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- Adult Education Empowerment Program
| - Exhibition/ Fair/ Journee de Reflexion / Leisure and Recreational Activities
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| | - Drugs and Substance Abuse Prevention
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Capacity Building Programmes
- Digital Upskilling of Women and Girls (6–9 May 2024)
With UNECA; 55 policymakers and entrepreneurs trained on online safety and ICT use.
- Business Ecosystem Workshop (23–24 May 2024)
With EU and Investment Climate Reform Facility; 40 participants identified gaps in women's economic empowerment.
- Executive Leadership Training (2–4 April 2025)
For 30 officers of the Gender Unit, NWC, and NWEC to enhance leadership capabilities.
- Gender Mainstreaming Policy Guidelines (7–9 April 2025)
65 participants including Gender Focal Points and Rodrigues reps
Topics: policy integration, M&E indicators, gender-sensitive service delivery
- Internal Gender Mainstreaming Session (15 April 2025)
29 staff members trained to apply gender frameworks within the Ministry
- International Women's Day 2025 Celebration (9 March):
Held at MGI, Moka under the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment"
Attendance: 1,200
Awards presented in fields of: - STEM
- Sports
- Disciplined Forces
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