Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare
The Minister
The Honourable Mrs Marie Arianne NAVARRE-MARIE
BIOGRAPHY
Arianne Navarre-Marie, born to Chagossian parents, grew up in Port Louis. She is currently the Deputy Leader of the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) and a candidate in Constituency No. 1. In 2024, she was elected in this constituency and is one of only two politicians, along with MMM leader Paul Bérenger, to have experienced three elections with a 60-0 score.
Her childhood, marked by her father's work as a docker and her mother's role in raising their seven children, instilled in her a strong sense of community and responsibility. From a young age, Arianne actively engaged in social work, supporting the education of children from Dockers Flats and participating in religious movements. Inspired by the political climate of the time, particularly through her contact with the Port-Louis Harbour and Dockers Workers' Union led by Paul Bérenger, Arianne was drawn to activism early on. In 1982, she made history by participating in the first 60-0 electoral victory in Mauritius, winning Constituency No. 14, Savanne-Rivière Noire. She later represented Constituency No. 1, Port-Louis West, in several elections.
As Minister of Women's Rights, Child Development, and Family Welfare (2000-2005), she championed significant reforms, including the Sexual Discrimination Act and measures to strengthen protection against domestic violence. Her efforts also focused on poverty reduction, particularly through projects aimed at empowering women.
Hon Arianne Navarre-Marie returned to office in November 2024, taking charge of a ministry she knows well: Gender Equality and Family Welfare. Since her election, she has made it her mission to protect women, children, and families. For the minister, a child's place is within a loving family that fosters their development and well-being. The family is a place of love, sharing, protection, and unity. Unfortunately, many families in our country face complicated situations. She has made it her mission to help families and ensure their support to live a serene and fulfilled life. The Minister is relying on the 2025-2030 action plan to address these issues and enable Mauritian families to live better lives.
With a background in economics and management, Hon Arianne Navarre-Marie has been a journalist and teacher. A devoted wife and mother of two children, she envisions a Mauritius where freedom, inclusion, and equality thrive.
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