Introduction

1.In accordance with article 18, paragraph 1(b) of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Republic of Mauritius submits its ninth periodic report on the implementation of the Convention covering the period 2019 to 2024.

2.The report is compiled in the form of answers to a list of questions provided to Mauritius by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women prior to the submission of the ninth periodic report (CEDAW/C/MUS/QPR/9). The report also includes the status of measures taken to implement the recommendations contained in the Concluding Observations of the Committee (CEDAW/C/MUS/CO/8) in Annex A. Out of 17 Clustered recommendations, 3 clustered recommendations have been mostly implemented, 12 partially implemented and 2 not yet implemented. Relevant vital statistics are included in the Annex B.

3.The report has been prepared by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare (MGEFW) and has benefitted from wide consultations with and inputs from relevant stakeholders. The report contains information on the legislative, administrative and other measures adopted by the Republic of Mauritius to implement the provisions of the Convention. It reflects the progress achieved in the advancement of women in the Republic of Mauritius during the reporting period as well as information on the remaining challenges in that area.

General

4.As 1st July 2024, the population of the Republic of Mauritius stood at 1,259,509 comprising 621,967 males and 637,542 females (Statistics Mauritius). In 2023, the employed population comprised 328,300 (59.1 per cent) males and 226,900 (40.9 per cent) females. Male activity rate in the labour force was 70 per cent in 2023 whereas for female activity rate was 47.5 per cent during the same period. Male unemployment stood at 4.6 per cent in 2023 and female unemployment was 8.7 per cent.

5.The Government of the Republic of Mauritius is fully committed to achieving a gender-inclusive society. The Government of Mauritius adopted the National Gender Policy 2022–2030 (NGP) in 2022. The NGP underlines the sustained commitment of the Republic of Mauritius to engender an all-inclusive legal, policy and administrative environment that promotes gender equality and gender equity as the basis for promoting sustainable development. The NGP responds to the global agenda as guided by Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 5 which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

6.Statistics Mauritius collects and disseminates official statistics. It recognises the need for sex-disaggregated data for gender analysis and “Gender” has been included” in the First Schedule of the Statistics Act. It publishes an annual volume of Economic and Social Indicators (ESI) on gender, which is also known as “Gender Statistics”. Data from Censuses, Household Surveys, and establishment surveys on employee numbers are sex-disaggregated. However, not all administrative data from other organisations is sex-disaggregated due to data gaps and capacity challenges.

7.The Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC), under the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, established the Gender Based Violence Observatory (GBVO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare. Launched in May 2022, the GBVO aims to address gaps in gender-based violence (GBV) data collection to support better policy design. It is guided by a steering committee co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender Equality and the MRIC’s Executive Director. The first Research Bulletin of the GBVO, issued in November 2023, identified major data gaps, highlights challenges in harmonizing GBV data across agencies, and offers recommendations to enhance data collection and expand research beyond domestic violence.

Women’s rights and gender equality in relation to the pandemic, recovery efforts and global crisis

8.Mauritius was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The island underwent two lockdowns, from 23 March 2020 to 30 May 2020 and from 10 March to 30 April 2021. Borders were closed from 18 March 2020 to 31 December 2021. A High-Level Steering Committee chaired by the Honourable Prime Minister ensured that timely decisions were taken to curtail the pandemic, treat the sick and secure vaccines to mitigate the onslaught of the disease. The government took a number of measures to assist the population and cushion the severe effects of the pandemic. These measures were also gender sensitive and ensured that women’s rights and welfare were protected.

9.Information on how to enhance family ties and on the range of emergency services available to women was on broadcast on national television, the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation during the lockdown periods.

10.The Covid-19 (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 brought amendments to the Workers’ Rights Act (WRA) to include work from home, so that an employer may require any worker to work from home provided a notice of at least 48 hours is given to the worker. The Workers’ Rights (Working from Home) Regulations 2020 was made to supplement the WRA and it provides that the concept of “work from home” includes inter-alia work performed – (i) on a full time or part-time basis, (ii) on an hourly rate, weekly rate, fortnight rate, monthly rate; through teleworking; online platform during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic.

11.Officers of the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations (MLIR), continued to carry site of works inspections, though same was restricted to priority areas which needed intervention from the Ministry. Officers of the Ministry intervened regularly through the media, on national television/radio and other private radios, to help sensitise workers and the public at large on the provisions of the law and the assistance they are eligible to under the circumstances. After the pandemic, upon the phased resumption of economic activities, the authorities principally geared their resources towards safeguarding employment, ensuring that workers employed in sectors that were severely impacted by the pandemic were guaranteed their monthly wages and that those workers who had unfortunately been laid off were promptly taken in charge and provided with income support schemes.

12.During COVID-19 lockdowns, the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity assisted vulnerable groups by: distributing food packs; facilitating domiciliary payment of social benefits and flu vaccinations for pensioners; and implementing wage assistance and self-employed assistance schemes with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) to limit job losses and support livelihoods. Eligibility for the Transition Unemployment Benefit (TUB) was expanded to allow a greater number of individuals to benefit and its rate increased for eligible persons. Legislation was amended to continue pension payments for citizens stranded overseas due to border closures (March 2020–December 2021).

13.During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources and the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research implemented online and televised learning, providing tablets to vulnerable students on the Social Register of Mauritius (SRM). In-person classes resumed by early 2022 with health measures such as staggered attendance, temperature checks, masks, and social distancing. Class sizes and school access were also regulated. Some students were allowed to take exams earlier due to extended semesters. Remedial programs addressed learning losses, and extracurricular activities, sports, and competitions resumed in 2022 to support students’ overall development.

14.In 2021, COVID-19 vaccination was made mandatory for all school staff in Mauritius, with unvaccinated personnel required to present a negative test to access school premises. Mass vaccination began in early 2021, and by late 2022, over 70 per cent of the population was fully vaccinated, including booster rollouts. Vaccination for children aged 5 and above, including special drives for teenagers, was introduced in 2022 to protect students. The government’s comprehensive response combining staff and student vaccination, health protocols, academic calendar adjustments, and remedial programs facilitated the safe reopening of schools and supported broader post-pandemic recovery across sectors.

Visibility of the Convention and legal complaint mechanisms

15.The MGEFW continues efforts to raise awareness on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and CEDAW. Key initiatives include public campaigns and training programs. In 2019, four regional “Women’s Rights are Human Rights” workshops sensitized some 400 women. In 2020, a workshop targeted around 90 young women. Awareness campaigns in secondary and pre-vocational schools reached 1,250 students (boys and girls) to shift mindsets towards gender equality.

16.The Supreme Court of Mauritius referred to Articles 15 and 16(1)(x) of CEDAW in the case of Ramar MJS v The Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd (2021) SCJ 184. In this case, the Learned Judge Narain drew attention to the concerns raised by treaty bodies in relation to the failure by Mauritius to implement the provisions of the CEDAW and the ICCPR. The Learned Judge stated: “The CEDAW Committee has further deplored, at paragraph 31 of its General Recommendation No 21 on Equality in marriage and family relations (1994), the absence of a legal requirement in many States, including those where there is a community-property regime, that a woman be consulted when community property is sold or otherwise disposed of; this, according to the Committee, limits the wife ’ s ability to control disposition of the property or the income derived from it”.

17.Training courses for professionals in the legal field, including magistrates and barristers organised by the Institute for Judicial and Legal Studies (IJLS) include coverage of CEDAW.

Legislative framework and definition of discrimination

18.Section 16 of the Constitution of Mauritius prohibits discriminatory laws, and the Equal Opportunities Act bans direct/indirect discrimination (e.g., based on sex, sexual orientation). The Act prevails in key areas (employment, education, services), allowing individuals to file complaints with the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). The EOC is tasked with eliminating discrimination and promoting equality through awareness campaigns. From July 2018 to January 2025, it conducted 72 sensitization campaigns and received 875 complaints (551 men and 324 women, most female complaints from public and parastatal sectors).

Status of complaints lodged by women (July 2018-January 2025)

Details	No. of complaints
Number of complaints lodged by women	324
Complaints examined:
Conciliation successful	75
Not under purview	67
Examined and set aside	52
Archived	4
Legal Impediment	11
Time barred	1
Complaints withdrawn	55
Findings/Reports issued/Ruling	26
Total number of complaints examined	291
Under investigation	10
Under examination	23
Total number of complaints lodged	324
Complaints referred to the Equal Opportunities Tribunal	8

Source: Equal Opportunities Commission.

Grounds of discrimination as per complaints lodged by women (July 2018-May 2024)

Status	Total no. of complaints
Age	17
Caste	8
Colour	5
Creed	8
Criminal Record	1
Ethnic Origin	23
Impairment	16
Marital Status	7
Place of Origin	13
Political Opinion	10
Race	12
Sex	36
Sexual orientation	3

Source: Equal Opportunities Commission.

19.The Workers’ Rights Act (WRA) 2019 prohibits workplace discrimination under Section 5, promoting gender equality. Section 123(2) sets penalties for unspecified offences, including fines up to Rs 25,000 and imprisonment up to 2 years. Additionally, the Employment Relations Act (EReA) provides further protections against discrimination and victimization. Section 70(2A) (a) allows the Employment Relations Tribunal to order reinstatement of a suspended worker, with the worker’s consent, if the claim is justified. The Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations (MLIR) investigates complaints and refers valid cases to the Tribunal, which must adjudicate within 90 days of referral.

20.The Government has enacted legislative measures to protect human rights, including women’s rights, focusing on vulnerable groups. Citizens can seek redress for rights violations through: (i) Constitutional redress under Section 17 of the Constitution for breaches of fundamental rights (Sections 3 to 16); (ii) Judicial Review of public bodies’ actions; and (iii) complaints to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding violations by public officers under the Protection of Human Rights Act.

21.Following the launch of the National Gender Policy (NGP), a gender cell has been established at both the Attorney General’s Office and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to address gender disparities in the legal framework of Mauritius.

22.Section 16 (4) (c) of the Constitution concerns issues such as adoption, marriage and divorce. The Government of Mauritius had previously established a commission to assess the impact of the Muslim personal status on women. However, the different schools of Islamic thought had not reached a consensus on this sensitive matter and further study and consultation will be required. Therefore, it has not been possible to provide a time frame for the revision of the Constitution. The provisions under section 16 (4) (c) of the Constitution that the Committee considers to be discriminatory remain highly sensitive in Mauritian society.

Women’s access to justice

23.The Government of Mauritius, through the MGEFW, in collaboration with key stakeholders, is actively engaged in improving women’s access to justice. A comprehensive strategy has been initiated, focusing on multiple aspects, including legislative reforms, capacity building, and awareness programs. These coordinated efforts are addressing both the structural and systemic challenges for improving women’s access to justice in Mauritius.

24.The draft Domestic Abuse Bill aims to enhance judicial complaint mechanisms, ensure equal treatment, remove barriers for women filing complaints, and provide a gender-sensitive approach. Its primary objectives are to: (a) maximize safety for victims; (b) prevent and reduce domestic abuse; and (c) promote perpetrator accountability.

25.To support women seeking justice, particularly survivors of domestic violence, free legal advice and court assistance are provided under the Protection from Domestic Violence Act. This initiative ensures that women have access to the necessary legal support without financial constraints. For the year 2023, legal aid was provided to 12 women and 1 man in Rodrigues.

26.In early 2023, the MGEFW, through the NWC, launched the “Women Empowerment in Legal Literacy” Program. By October 2023, campaigns in all nine districts reached some 1,008 women. The program empowers women with legal knowledge, focusing on basic rights and remedies, the justice system, and the courts’ role in advancing gender equality.

27.The review of judicial practices concerning domestic violence cases is ongoing, with a focus on strengthening the capacity of judges, prosecutors, police officers, and other law enforcement officials. A three-day training session was held from April 2‑4, 2024 involving various stakeholders, including the Police, Prosecutors, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Attorney General’s Office, and private legal practitioners. This training aimed at improving the judicial response to gender-based violence by promoting gender-sensitive interrogation and investigation procedures and eliminating judicial gender bias.

28.A two-day capacity building programme on the ILO Convention No. 190 (C190) related to violence and harassment at work, organized in collaboration with ILO was held on 28 and 29 September 2023 and some 40 Gender Focal Points participated therein. The aim was to impart participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement and promote the principles of Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work.

National machinery for the advancement of women

29.The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare (MGEFW) is the national gender machinery responsible for promoting gender equality and advancing women’s rights. The broad mandate of the National Gender Machinery includes, inter alia, policy formulation, implementation, and co-ordination of all Government initiatives and programmes for women. One of its key objectives is to oversee and coordinate the implementation of gender mainstreaming strategies in all Ministries, policies and programmes.

30.The National Gender Policy (NGP) 2022–2030, launched in March 2022, provides guidelines for integrating gender into all government actions. 58 per cent of its recommendations are implemented. Key implementation mechanisms include:

•The National Steering Committee on Gender Mainstreaming (revised ToR August 2022), chaired by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, bringing together Supervising Officers from all Ministries (met 3 times, last May 2024);

•The Inter-Ministerial Gender Technical Working Committee (created October 2022), supporting Gender Focal Points (met 4 times, last September 2024); and

•Strengthened Gender Cells in 24 ministries/departments/local authorities (48 operational since 2022). The MGEFW’s own Cell was reinforced in 2023 and a draft Sectoral Gender Policy is near completion.

31.The NGP implementation has been extended to Rodrigues. The MGEFW provides technical support to the Commission for Women’s Affairs to establish necessary mechanisms. Three of four planned missions were completed: (1) NGP dissemination (April 2024, led by the Minister); (2) Capacity building for the Gender Cell in May 2024; (3) Briefing on setting up a Gender Monitoring Mechanism and ToRs in September 2024. The Rodrigues Executive Council noted the mission and established a Steering Committee, an Inter-Commission Committee, and Gender Cells in all Commissions in May 2024. A draft Sectoral Gender Policy for Rodrigues is being finalised.

32.The implementation of recommendations of the NGP 2022-2030 is being extended to other sectors, namely the private sector, academia, media and civil society organisations to integrate a gender perspective in their respective mandates. A draft set of guidelines is being finalised for the launching in consultation with these sectors and thereafter it is envisaged to set up a Technical Working Group on Gender Mainstreaming for these sectors.

33.In 2018. a proposed Gender Equality Bill was put on hold due to legislative overlaps, significant amendments, and financial implications. In 2023, the MGEFW proposed an independent Gender Equality Commission to investigate systemic gender-rights violations (own initiative/public complaints) and resolve related disputes, instead of an omnibus Bill. The Commission would investigate violations and resolve disputes at all levels, including workplaces.

34.Upon review, establishing a separate Commission was deemed costly and duplicative of existing institutions like the EOC. Consequently, it was agreed to merge the Gender Equality Commission’s functions into the EOC. Consequential amendments to the Equal Opportunities Act are planned by June 2025. Consultations with the HRC, EOC, and Prime Minister’s office/State Law Office are ongoing.

35.The Ministry is, since May 2024, benefitting from the technical assistance in terms of the services of a Gender Expert funded by the European Union for a period of three years to assist the MGEFW in the gender mainstreaming agenda. A Needs Assessment exercise for all sectors has already been initiated for both Mauritius and Rodrigues. These will form the basis to identify the challenges encountered in implementing gender mainstreaming strategies and come up with corrective measures in terms of legislative sectoral gender policies and gender responsive actions and enhancing service delivery of each sector.

36.The main budgetary allocations for the MGEFW include Rs. 175 million allocated for women’s empowerment and gender mainstreaming initiatives and Rs. 800,000 earmarked specifically for gender mainstreaming. Moreover, all Ministries receive a token funding as Gender Responsive Budgeting Initiative of maximum Rs 200,000 yearly.

Temporary special measures

37.Mauritius has not adopted broad temporary special measures such as gender quotas in politics or employment. While legislation like the Local Government Act and the Companies Act encourages gender balance, it does not mandate affirmative action or positive discrimination. The Constitution guarantees gender equality but generally does not authorise temporary special measures, except under Section 16(4)(aa) and (ab), which allows gender-based quotas for elections to local authorities and the Rodrigues Regional Assembly. The Rodrigues Regional Assembly Act reflects this, making it one of the few instances where such a measure has been legally implemented.

38.The MGEFW is proposing to come up with a Gender Equality Commission as an independent entity which shall be governed by a Gender Equality Commission Bill to investigate into systemic gender-rights violations, by attending to complaints from the public through investigation, and resolve these related disputes instead of a Gender Equality Bill. This Commission will recommend special measures to accelerate substantive equality between men and women across political and public spheres, addressing structural, social, and cultural barriers that hinder women from participating in political life or holding public office. Consultations are in process.

Gender stereotypes

39.The Government of Mauritius combats gender stereotypes through various initiatives. The MGEFW provides capacity building on gender concepts and mainstreaming to ministries. Since the NGP’s 2022 launch, over 1,323 public officers were trained by 2023, and another 1,650 from 2023–2024. Since 2020, over 300 officers from PMO departments/parastatals were trained. A Gender Equality Seal for the Public Sector was launched in 2024.

40.Awareness campaigns have also been extended to other organisations/institutions such as Attitude Hotels, Beachcomber and Ecole Hôtelière Gaëtan Duval and 850 staff members have been trained on gender concepts and mainstreaming from July 2023 to June 2024.

41.Decentralized information campaigns on gender, GBV, climate change, drug abuse, domestic violence, and MGEFW services are conducted through Women Empowerment Centres, Community Centres, the NWC, and NWEC. Since July 2022, these reached 7,263 participants (6,397 women, 806 men).

42.The National Strategy and Action Plan (NSAP) for the elimination of gender-based violence includes a sub-strategy component that focuses on changing social norms and beliefs that are against principles of gender equality and equity. In May 2022, the MGEFW conducted capacity-building programs for officials from social security, the police and health sectors with emphasis on reaching grassroots communities through NGOs.

43.In September 2021, the MGEFW launched an animated cartoon on gender equality to reach the general public and raise awareness on gender equality. This cartoon served as an engaging medium for discussing gender roles in Mauritian society. Its vivid characters and emotions were designed to resonate with both adults and children, facilitating informal conversations about gender issues.

44.The MGEFW enlisted the assistance of the Council of Religions to conduct a Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Approach to Counselling Victims and Perpetrators of Violence. This study sought to analyse existing gender stereotypes across societal institutions and make recommendations for changing mind-sets to promote gender equality.

45.In 2023, the MGEFW established HeforShe Clubs in 25 community centres to engage men in gender equality through peer groups. Managed by community officers and supported by the Gender Unit, 400 members were trained on gender concepts. The clubs have organized awareness campaigns, reaching some 5,024 participants to date.

46.The MGEFW has organised dialogue forums since May 2022, targeting members of social welfare committees, regional women’s associations, religious organizations, and youth wings. A total of 312 participants engaged in discussions around gender stereotypes, equality, and gender-based violence.

47.The Ministry of Education and Human Resources (MEHR) has introduced a series of measures to ensure the removal of gender stereotypes from the curriculum and education system. The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) excludes gender stereotypes and is adhered to in the writing of curriculum and learning materials. A research team from the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE) is conducting a sociological investigation into the presence of gender-based violence (GBV) and gender stereotypes in primary curriculum textbooks. The study explores how far these materials perpetuate discriminatory gender norms, reflecting societal biases regarding the roles of boys/ men and girls/ women. The research team aims to develop methodologies to revise the curriculum in line with the UN’s 2030 vision (UNDAF).

48.The reformed curriculum for grades 7–9 removed gender stereotypes. Previously male-dominated subjects (e.g., Design & Technology) are now taught in girls’ schools, and previously female-dominated subjects (e.g., Home Economics, Fashion & Fabrics) are taught in boys’ schools. In academies/regional schools with facilities, students take these subjects in Grade 10. Performing Arts classes are gender-neutral (e.g., Tabla in girls’ schools, Sitar in boys’ school).

49.Furthermore, gender stereotyping and other topics such as homophobia, gender roles within families and gender discrimination are addressed in the sexuality education textbook for grade 7–9. A series of modules on gender equality and school related gender-based violence are being developed by the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE).

50.Since 2020, Rodrigues has expanded women’s leadership programs, reaching around 500 women and building their leadership and decision-making skills. In November 2022, a training on women in politics was held with 25 participants to address barriers to political participation. Additionally, 48 women received technical training in motorcycle and car servicing through a 2022 collaboration with MITD, promoting entry into non-traditional fields. In June 2023, a Gender Mainstreaming session engaged 50 young participants to foster gender-sensitive practices and encourage youth involvement in gender equality efforts.

Harmful practices

51.The Mauritius Police Force (MPF) is tasked with enforcing the national laws of the country, including provisions against child marriage or forced child marriage as stipulated under section 12 of the Children’s Act 2020. Following the enactment of the Children’s Act, a child has been defined to be a person under the age of 18. The legislation establishes the minimum legal age for marriage at 18 years for both boys and girls It is provided under section 12(1) of the Children’s Act that no person shall (a) marry a child civilly or religiously, or (b) cause or force a child to marry civilly or religiously. Since the enactment of this law, no case of child marriage has been reported to the Police.

52.Complaints of alleged cohabitation are referred to the MPF, through the “Brigade pour la Protection de La Famille” and intervention is effected jointly by the Child Development Unit (CDU) and the MPF. There have been instances of cohabitation with minors, with one case reported in 2023 and seven cases reported in 2024. These cases are currently under Police investigation. In addition to enforcement, the Police actively engage in education and community sensitization efforts aimed at raising awareness about the legal provisions of the Children’s Act 2020. These initiatives target children women, and the broader public to ensure understanding of the law, encourage reporting of child marriage or forced child marriage, and prevent such practices.

53.Female Genital Mutilation is not practised in Mauritius. Nonetheless, the Family Welfare and Protection Unit of the MGEFW, in a bid to combat gender-based violence, is actively implementing information, education, and communication strategies through awareness and sensitization campaigns to combat harmful practices rooted in norms, beliefs, gender stereotypes, and discrimination.

Gender-based violence against women

54.The Government of Mauritius has adopted various measures to combat GBV. The National Strategy and Action Plan (NSAP) on GBV elimination was launched on 25 November 2020. Its key elements are: (i) a shared understanding of GBV; (ii) multi-stakeholder commitment; (iii) strengthened legislative/policy framework; (iv) stakeholder capacity building; and (v) strong monitoring and evaluation.

55.To address the multi-faceted aspects of GBV, four sub-strategies have been developed that are aligned to the National Strategy. These are:

(a)Change in social norms and beliefs that are against principles of gender equality and equity;

(b)Priority support services for survivors while holding perpetrators accountable;

(c)Identify and redress discriminatory practices that perpetuate GBV and;

(d)Coordinated monitoring and evaluation.

56.In accordance with paragraphs 4.3 and 4.4 and Output 8 if Sub-Strategy Component 1 of the NSAP on the elimination of GBV, the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms (MPSAR) has been assigned with the following responsibilities:

(a)Carry out an audit exercise and a review of key institutions mandated to address matters pertaining to GBV;

(b)Advise on an effective realignment following an audit of existing services at the level of the MGEFW and its partners; and

(c)Conduct an Impact Analysis Study of current programmes being implemented at the level of the MGEFW.

57.The High-Level Committee (HLC) on the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence is chaired by the Honourable Prime Minister, in the presence of key Ministers and their senior staff. The HLC monitors progress made on the implementation of the NSAP. From November 2020 to 30 September 2024, 115 Output Indicators were completed, 39 Output Indicators were In Progress, 2 output indicators were set as no action and 2 Output Indicators were in Mitigation.

58.The “LESPWAR” mobile app, launched on 25 November 2020, is a rapid response system for GBV victims to connect directly with the Police Command Centre. It features a panic button with geo-localisation for rapid police response and provides information and support. It is accessible to all GBV victims/survivors. During the 2023 16 Days of Activism, UNDP organized LESPWAR awareness sessions for NGOs and 350 counsellors, and a 2-day training for 75 Women Police Officers.

59.The Integrated Support Centre, launched on 8 March 2019, provides holistic services. It operates the Hotline 139 (domestic violence) on 4 parallel lines, is connected to 8 Family Support Services (FSS), and links to the Domestic Violence Information System (DOVIS), a central data repository. Cases from the LESPWAR app are fed into DOVIS.

60.The Family Support Services (FSS) has been established to provide an integrated and rapid response to victims of domestic violence. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Mauritius Police Force (MPF) and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare (MGEFW). To streamline procedures and ensure a coordinated approach, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been signed between the MPF and the MGEFW. Additionally, to improve service delivery and strengthen victim support, Police officers across all ranks, including new recruits, are given training on GBV. Between 2022 and 2024, a total of 6,558 Police officers were trained on GBV.

61.The FWPU (MGEFW) implements GBV policies and programs. Services include: individual/couple/family counselling; psychological counselling for victims/perpetrators; free legal advice; assistance with Protection Order applications; site visits (including homicide cases); temporary NGO shelter referrals; referrals to other institutions; economic empowerment programs; prompt assistance via Hotline 139/LESPWAR app; and GBV sensitization campaigns.

62.The FWPU implements preventive GBV programs promoting family welfare, including:

(a)Interfaith Forum (launched Aug 2021 with Council of Religions): 20 GBV campaigns sensitized 636 people (Aug-Nov 2023); annual symposium on religion/GBV;

(b)Accompagnement des Familles Programme: strengthens family values/communication (30 participants, Pointe aux Sables/Piments, Aug-Nov 2023);

(c)Inter-Generation Relationship Programme (IGR): strengthens family ties across generations (511 beneficiaries, Oct-Dec 2023);

(d)Men as Caring Partners (MACP): promotes male involvement in family responsibilities/addresses DV (335 men reached, Oct-Nov 2023);

(e)Economic Empowerment Programme: provides financial stability training for survivors (98 survivors trained in various skills, 2022–2024).

63.The Computer Emergency Response Team of Mauritius (CERT-MU), which operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation captures data regarding online harassment and other forms of cybercrime on a gender-neutral basis for appropriate actions.

64.Information communication campaigns to encourage victims to report and deter actors of violence through social and mass media are ongoing with 3,312 campaigns carried out from 2023 to February 2024. Moreover, training on GBV from June 2021 to December 2022 reached 887 police officers and 100 medical staff. 100 public officers were trained on international conventions relating to GBV.

65.Section 46 of the Sports Act provides for the Ombudsperson for Sports, who shall be well versed in sports matters.

66.Efforts to bring perpetrators of domestic violence to justice have been strengthened. From 2020 to 2023, 3,694 persons were convicted for cases of domestic violence. For the period 2022 to 2024, 7428 cases of domestic violence against women were reported to Police. During the same period, 2201 male spouses were prosecuted and convicted for acts of domestic violence.

67.In Rodrigues, an Emergency Shelter has been set up to provide safe and immediate accommodation for survivors of domestic violence. Legal assistance is provided to women during their application for a Protection Order, particularly in cases where the respondent resists the application. A support group, “Groupe de Parole” has been set up for victims. Plans are underway to transform the existing shelter into a rehabilitation home for vulnerable women who have experienced violence, abuse, alcoholism, and exploitation. A placement programme for vulnerable women provides stipends to support vulnerable women in securing employment. Since 2022, 10 women have benefitted, and a third batch will commence in November 2024. The programme d’Autonomisation des Familles, which is an income-generating initiative, has supported 43 beneficiaries in 2023–2024, empowering families towards financial independence. The Men as Partners Programme where men are engaged in gender equality advocacy and promoting positive masculinities to combat gender-based violence. Regular awareness programs are being conducted to educate communities about domestic violence, gender equality, and legal protections. A training of Enforcement Officers on the Protection from Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) was conducted in November 2023 for 40 enforcement officers. Sensitization is carried out on child grooming and about 100 participants were reached in 2023. As part of the 2024/2025 financial year project, the Commission is developing an integrated database on teenage pregnancy and GBV. The Service de Soutiens et de conseils aux familles has been set up at the Integrated Family Centre at Malabar which includes the Child Development Unit, the Family Welfare and Protection Unit, Family Counselling Services and Psychological services.

68.The 2024 budget provides for the launch of a Survivor Support Scheme with one-off financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to help victims of domestic violence.

69.For the period 2022 to 2024, 7428 cases of domestic violence against women were reported to the police. During the same period, 2,201 male spouses were prosecuted and convicted for acts of domestic violence. The forthcoming Domestic Abuse Bill will replace the existing Protection from Domestic Violence Act with a comprehensive framework that is more responsive to the needs of victims of domestic abuse. Provision is also being made for support and rehabilitative services to deter perpetrators from committing further acts of domestic violence. It will also look into the issue of marital rape. The objective of the Bill is to inter-alia: (a) further consolidate the existing framework to address the devastating impact of domestic violence on victims and their families; (b) strengthen the support services for reinforced protection to victims and rehabilitation of perpetrators; and (c) improve the effectiveness of the justice system in providing protection to victims and bringing recurrent perpetrators to justice.

Trafficking and exploitation of prostitution

70.Mauritius is committed to fight trafficking in persons (TIP). Prostitution is strictly prohibited in Mauritius and sex tourism is illegal in the country. The Combatting of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Act (2023) was introduced in the National Assembly on 14 November 2023 and was proclaimed to become effective of 15 January 2024. The main objectives of the Act are to: (1) consolidate the existing legal provisions for combating trafficking in persons and provide a modern legal framework to address the issue of trafficking in persons more effectively; (2) allow for a more rigorous identification and prosecution of cases, better support to victims of trafficking in persons and the establishment of an effective institutional framework for the fight against trafficking in persons; and (3) provide for stricter penalties for persons convicted for offences related to trafficking in persons.

71.The Act provides that the Court will no longer have the discretion to inflict a term of imprisonment of less than 3 years for the offence of trafficking in persons. Some of the amendments are as follows:

(a)Section 2 of the Act has been amended to include the concept of debt bondage as one additional criterion to be recognised for committing the offence of Trafficking in Persons;

(b)Centres for victims of trafficking - Amendments have been brought to Section 4 to replace the term “inmate” by “resident”. It is also being provided that each Centre will have an authorised officer, who should be a Police Officer designated by the Commissioner of Police, to be in charge of that Centre;

(c)A new clause 4A has been added to provide for the establishment of a Steering Committee for Trafficking in Persons which will, among others, ensure coordination among the stakeholders with a view to enhancing the implementation of policies to combat Trafficking in Persons;

(d)A Trafficking in Persons Unit has been established under a new clause 4B within the Mauritius Police Force, dedicated for the identification and prosecution of Trafficking in Persons cases;

(e)Witness Protection - Another clause 4C has been introduced to make provision for the protection of witnesses in case proceedings. Any person who is a potential witness may make an application to the Commissioner of Police for his protection or for the protection of the members of his family until such time as may be required and approved by the Commissioner of Police;

(f)Assistance to victims of trafficking in persons - A new clause 11A provides, inter alia, that any person who is a victim of trafficking or provides evidence of being or having been a victim of trafficking shall be provided with such financial and legal as may be prescribed;

(g)Non-punishment of victims of trafficking in persons - Under the new clause 11B, the identified victims of trafficking will not be prosecuted under the Act or any other enactment with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions;

(h)Illegal adoption or custody of a child - The new clause 12A provides that any person who adopts or obtains the custody a child, where such adoption or custody has been facilitated or secured through illegal means, shall commit an offence;

(i)Section 14 has been amended to increase penalties for aggravating circumstances particularly where victims are pregnant women, physically or mentally handicapped persons or where victims are exposed to life threatening illnesses, amongst others;

(j)Section 15 of the Act has also been amended so that stricter penalties be applied to trafficking in persons offences committed outside Mauritius.

72.The amendments also include consequential amendments to section 51A of the Reform Institutions Act, where provision has also been made for convicted persons to no longer be eligible for remission or release on parole.

73.TIP victims are provided with shelter facilities and psychological support during police investigation and medical attention upon request. Their movements are not restricted during their stay in shelters and they are allowed to communicate with lawyers, Enquiring Officers and their relatives. However, to prevent any miscarriage of justice or perverting the course of justice, they are not allowed to communicate or contact unauthorized persons. They are also escorted by Police to Courts during court proceedings for their safety and security.

74.Pending the operationalization of a specialised shelter for victims of trafficking, victims (women) are currently accommodated by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) which cater for victims of domestic violence against payment of daily capitation grant by the Mauritius Police Force. In these cases, the MGEFW provides for psychological assessment, evaluation and counselling following complaints of human trafficking and exploitation by the Police (e.g., victims of prostitution). A Mental Status Examination (MSE) is carried out by the Psychologist.

75.On 9 December 2022, the Cabinet approved the National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in Mauritius for 2022–2026. Developed with support from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the plan adopts a whole-of-government, multi-sectoral approach to guide and coordinate TIP responses, optimize resource use, and track progress. Key actions under the plan include:

•Awareness campaigns by the Child Development Unit (CDU), reaching 300 children and 60 adults on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), closely linked to TIP;

•Police enforcement of the amended 2009 Combating TIP Act, with enhanced powers and victim support;

•Continuous, tailored training for law enforcement; 2,028 police officers were trained between 2022 and 2024;

•Establishment of a dedicated TIP Unit within the Central CID to handle investigations and prosecutions;

•A 2024 training on gender mainstreaming and TIP for 100 tour operators, led by the Ministry of Tourism;

•Ongoing public sensitization by the Crime Prevention Unit and “Brigade Pour La Protection de La Famille”;

•Enhanced border security and TIP victim identification training for Immigration Officers;

•Use of Safe City Cameras and cyber patrols by the Police IT Unit to detect TIP activities;

•Ground-level intelligence gathering and collaboration with INTERPOL for targeted operations;

•TIP inspections at migrant worker sites conducted by police, immigration, and labour authorities;

•Provision of medical, psychological, and shelter support to TIP victims;

•A Steering Committee and Inter-Ministerial Committee have been established under the Prime Minister’s Office to monitor and coordinate national anti-TIP efforts.

76.Comprehensive and well-coordinated protective services are in place for child trafficking cases in Mauritius. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for child victims have been developed with support from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Cases can be reported via hotline 113, the Integrated Support Centre (ISC), or the Child Protection Services (CPS). Following a report, an inquiry is conducted into the child’s family, home, and social background to ensure a thorough assessment and appropriate intervention.

77.Mauritius has implemented several measures to support child victims of trafficking. These include counselling sessions by trained officers, with referrals to psychologists for behaviour therapy if needed. Other issues, such as school non‑attendance, are addressed through referrals to appropriate agencies like the Ministry of Education. Child victims may also be placed in specialized shelters for safety and psychosocial support. The use of SOPs ensures coordinated, team-based assistance and efficient referrals. Strong networking with relevant stakeholders further supports the effective handling of child trafficking cases.

78.Mauritius ensures equal protection and support for children with special needs, in line with its commitment under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Child Development Unit (CDU) officers, especially within the CPS, have received training based on newly developed SOPs. These SOPs also guide the protection of trafficking victims and witnesses. Specialized courts and procedures, including the child-friendly Children’s Court operational since January 2022, are used for trafficking cases. Additionally, officers receive specialized training on investigation, prosecution, gender sensitivity, and child protection.

Participation in political and public life

79.The Government of Mauritius is committed to increase the participation of women in the political sphere. For the National Assembly Elections of 2024, 165 women stood as candidates out of a total of 891 candidates. While their representation remains low, following the 2024 elections, there was a slight increase in the percentage of women directly elected to the National Assembly. In 2024, women comprised 17.7 per cent (11 out of 62) of directly elected members, in contrast to 2019, when they made up 16.1 per cent (10 out of 62). Out of the 25 Ministers, 2 are women. The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Whip are also women. Moreover, out of the 10 Junior Ministers, 4 are women.

80.The Constitution of Mauritius makes provision for a minimum number of candidates for election to local authorities and to the Rodrigues Regional Assembly (RRA) to be of a particular sex, to ensure adequate representation of each sex in elections on a local authority and in the Rodrigues Regional Assembly. The Local Government Act makes provision for groups presenting more than two candidates at an election of a Municipal City Council, Municipal Town Council or Village Council to ensure that no more than two thirds of the group’s candidates are of the same sex thereby ensuring meaningful participation of women. This measure has led to an increase in women’s representation at local government level – 32 per cent at Village Council Elections of 2020 compared to 30.3 per cent for the 2012 elections. Similar amendments were made to the RRA Act in 2016. Out of the 17 members of the RRA, the number of women increased from 4 to 5 in the elections held in February 2022.

81.Since 2020, the Commission in Rodrigues has been actively promoting women’s leadership skills through various training programs, with a target of reaching approximately 500 women annually. The Commission organises specialised leadership training programs to equip women with essential skills for effective participation in leadership roles. One such initiative is the Women in Politics (WIP) Training Program, which provides participants with opportunities to develop negotiation skills, public speaking abilities, and campaign strategies. In 2022, a WIP training session was conducted in collaboration with Gender Links, benefiting 25 women and empowering them to take on leadership positions in political and decision-making spheres.

82.Women’s representation in senior positions in the public service has improved. The Chief Justice and Senior Puisne Judge are women. Thirteen out of twenty Puisne Judges are also women (65 per cent).

No. of women holding senior positions in the Public Service as at June 2024

Grade	Men	Women	Total
Senior Chief Executive	4	4	8
Permanent Secretary	18	21	39
Deputy Permanent Secretary	29	44	73
Assistant Permanent Secretary	57	92	149

Source: Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

83.To ensure greater participation of women on boards of directors, listed companies are required to have a minimum of 25 percent women on their boards as from 2023. As at August 2023, only 20 percent of the companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM) met this criterion.

84.The Mauritius Institute of Directors (MIoD) introduced the Women Directors’ Forum in 2015 and launched two flagship initiatives, namely the Path to Boardroom programme and the Women Leadership Academy to help prepare future women leaders and encourage greater representation of women in the C-suite. In 2023, 35 per cent of the 1,607 members of the MIoD were women14 and 173 women benefited from the initiatives. Additionally, 280 women are being assisted through the provision of leadership trainings. A workshop entitled ‘25 per cent Target: Building an Inclusive Board’ was hosted by the MIoD, in collaboration with the Stock Exchange of Mauritius and the Mont Choisy Group, a private company in August 2023, to create more awareness on the objectives under SDG 5. To encourage corporates to further promote gender equality, a Charter was developed by the Association of Women in Investment and Finance.

Education

85.The Education Act provides for compulsory basic education from the age of 5 up to 16 years old. Free universal education is offered at primary and secondary levels and for the first undergraduate degree in public educational institutions. Free pre-primary education which was initially only available in public pre-primary schools has been extended to private aided pre-primary schools as from January 2024 benefitting around 11,497 children. Government has allocated around 12.7 per cent of the national budget over the past years to the provision of free education.

86.There is a total of 818 pre-primary, 342 primary and 175 secondary schools, 41 Higher Education Institutions and 5 Polytechnics, operating both within the public and private sectors. Educational institutions are located across the Republic of Mauritius and there is no disparity in the provision of education in urban and rural areas.

Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) by sex, Republic of Mauritius, 2024

GER	Male	Female	Total
Pre-Primary (4–5 years)	106	106	107
Primary (6–11 years)	107	108	107
Secondary (12–19 years)	70	77	74

Source: Education Statistics.

Total number of students enrolled during the year 2023/4

2024	Male	Female	Total
Pre-primary	13 956	13 539	27 495
Primary	43 037	41 493	84 530
Secondary	45 808	48 939	94 747
SEN	1 971	877	2 848
Tertiary (2023)	11 213	17 372	28 585

Source: Education Statistics.

87.Free transport is provided to all students of primary, secondary, technical and tertiary education. Free school textbooks are offered to pupils at public primary and lower secondary levels. The Government also pays the fees for School Certificate (SC) and Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations for first time candidates who satisfy the attendance criteria. Exceptionally, for the 2024 cohort of SC and HSC students, Government decided to extend the free examination fees scheme to students who repeated Grade 11 and Grade 13 along with the first timers.

88.To ensure that all students receive a full-time education that provides them with opportunities to achieve their full potential, a Student Tracking System was introduced as a reinforcement strategy for compulsory attendance up to age 16. This exercise was implemented to identify the pupils and students who are not attending schools and to identify the causes of their absenteeism.

89.The Ministry advertises scholarships on an open basis and, therefore, girls are not disadvantaged or discriminated against in the subsequent processing and nomination exercises. Several scholarship schemes advertised at the level of the Ministry also encourage gender balance in nominations. About 70 annual scholarships are provided to students with the best performance in the Higher School Certificate exams, including 24 based on both merit and social criteria. Scholarships for children from vulnerable families and scholarships for students with disabilities are provided.

90.The setting up of 30 Zone d’Education Prioritaire (ZEP) schools in Mauritius and the outer islands caters for students from vulnerable groups in deprived regions whereby they are provided with additional support, including socio-pedagogies, adapted teaching, health monitoring and a daily meal. Around 6,670 students of the 30 ZEP primary schools, including one in Rodrigues and two in Agalega, are served a full meal funded under the Primary School Supplementary Feeding Project.

91.In the context of the reform of the Nine Year Continuous Basic Education, the national curriculum framework for grades 7–9 has been reviewed to remove gender stereotypes. Subjects such as Design and Communication/Design and Technology that were previously taught in boys’ schools and mixed schools only, are now taught in girls’ schools. Similarly, subjects such as Home Economics, Food and Nutrition and Fashion and Fabrics, which were previously being taught in girls’ schools and mixed schools only, are now being taught in boys’ schools. Boys and girls have access to the same curricula, exams, qualified teaching staff and same equipment and facilities in both primary and secondary schools.

92.All schools are equipped with proper sanitary facilities such as wash basins, toilets as well as covered bins for disposal of sanitary pads. In the budget of 2017/2018 gendering of tax law was applied through the removal of Value Added Tax from sanitary pads and tampons. In the budget of 2021/2022, provision was made for sanitary napkins to be provided free of charge to children in grade 6 to grade 13 from families found eligible under the Social Register of Mauritius (SRM) and which have signed a Marshall Plan Social Contract. The Scheme is ongoing and around 2,000 female students benefit monthly from this measure. The budget 2024/25 provides Rs.100 million from the Poverty Fund for the provision of sanitary pads for students of Grade 6 to Grade 13.

Enrolment at Tertiary Education Level, both Locally & Overseas, as at December 2023

Science &Technology Related	Total
Agriculture	302
Architecture	113
Engineering	1 504
Health Sciences	832
Information Technology	3 746
Mathematics	583
Medicine	1 363
Ocean Study	53
Pharmacy	52
Science	282
Total	8 830

Source: Education Statistics.

93.To encourage children from eligible households under the SRM to attend school, the following schemes have been implemented:

(a)Payment of Child Allowance to children (up to a maximum of 3 children per household aged not less than 3 years and not more than 23 years) of SRM households to encourage them to attend school regularly;

(b)Provision of School Materials to all children of pre-primary, primary, secondary schools and pre-vocational institutions for the academic year to SRM households to ensure that they attend school with the necessary requisites. Since 2018, around 73,560 children were provided with free school materials;

(c)Payment of School Premium Scheme for children of SRM households, as an incentive for them to pursue their studies and achieve higher levels of education. (applicable to students of Grade 9, SC Level, HSC Level and Tertiary Level);

(d)Free Examination Fees scheme which provides an opportunity to children from low income households to have a second attempt, free of charge, at their Cambridge School Certificate or Higher School Certificate examinations irrespective of the outcome of their first attempt;

(e)Waiving of administration fees for full time courses at MITD and other recognised public tertiary institutions for children from eligible SRM households.

94.The number of students from eligible households under the SRM, benefitting from the schemes by gender are as follows:

•3,643 students (1,784 boys and 1860 girls) benefitted from Child Allowance (monthly average);

•418 students (163 boys and 225 girls) benefitted from School Premium during academic year 2022;

•128 students (57 boys and 71 girls) benefitted from Free Examination Fees during academic year 2023;

•13 students (3 boys and 10 girls) benefitted from waiving of administration fees.

95.Child marriage is prohibited in Mauritius and the provision of free compulsory education for all up to the age of 16 is a deterrent to child marriage. In cases of teenage pregnancy, a range of supportive measures are provided by the Ministry to the student upon her return to school after delivery. These include the following:

•The Educational Psychologist and Educational Social Worker provide back-up support) regarding her learning and academic performance and other related issues for example, how to deal with the new situation and manage studies at the same time;

•The Educational Psychologist and Educational Social Worker serve as facilitators and normally advise the family and the girl-student to attend specialised services such as medical institutions, Mauritius Family Planning Welfare Association or “Mouvement d’Aide à la Maternité”;

•Home visits are conducted by Education Social Workers especially with a view to encourage students to attend school during pregnancy (depending on their health status) as well as after pregnancy;

•Educational Psychologists also conduct class talks with student’s peers to ensure smooth integration of student at school;

•Special arrangements are made for pregnant students who have to sit for end of year exams such as SC and HSC.

96.Three cases of teenage pregnancy were reported in 2022 where one student successfully resumed school after delivery. The other two students are on maternity leave and have not yet resumed school. All 3 cases are being closely monitored. In Zone 1, 5 cases of teenage pregnancy have been reported as at August 2024 and none have resumed school yet. The cases are being monitored by the Educational Social Workers. In Zone 3, as at August 2024, there were 5 cases of teenage pregnancy, and the students have not resumed school. 2 cases have been referred to the social worker, one student is on post-delivery leave and one student has not yet delivered. In Zone 4, 1 student resumed school in October 2023 after delivery. 15 cases of teenage pregnancy were reported in 2024. At the beginning of the academic year 2025, only 2 students have resumed school (zone 1 and zone 3). In Zone 2, one student stopped attending school after reaching 16 years. Nine of the girl students have opted out of school since they intend to follow courses in the private sector. 1 minor in zone 4 has joined a private institution whereas 2 minors in zone 4 are not attending school due to their pregnancy status.

97.Sex education is covered both in primary and secondary curriculum frameworks. Mauritius has adopted the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) driven concept of sex education as a life skill. These competencies have been developed to make the growing child understand his/her physical and physiological changes such as puberty, menstruation, sexual reproductive health and communicable diseases and to make him/her act in a responsible manner by making the right choices.

Primary Completion rate (First sitting/Population aged 11) – 2018–2023

Year	Male	Female	Total
2018	67.9	81.3	74.4
2019	64.2	75.9	70.0
2020/2021	66.4	75.5	70.9
2021/2022	82.5	98.1	90.2
2023	80.2	91.6	85.8

Source: Education Statistics.

98.The Ministry of Education has a “Strategy for Science Education”. There is sensitization of girls to opt for STEM as from Grade 10 and 11. Girl students are encouraged to choose subjects to enable them to join technology and technical fields of studies.

Enrolment in Science, Technology and Mathematics, 2023

STEM 2023	Grade 10		Grade 11		Grade 12 Principal		Grade 13 Principal		Grade 13 Subsidiary
Male	Female	Male	Female	Male	Female	Male	Female	Male	Female
Mathematics	9 929	10 918	10 364	11 216	1 750	1 829	368	417	1 796	2 081
Technology	6 995	5 625	6 642	5 002	1 630	979	321	206	1 253	913
Science	8 689	8 542	7 973	7 334	2 390	2 571	414	448	2 013	2 383

Source: Education Statistics.

99.From March to May 2024, 1,338 secondary students from grades 10 to 13 benefitted from the 3D Printing Technology Awareness Sessions These awareness sessions aim to encourage secondary level students to consider innovative ways of using technology to achieve different goals more efficiently: (1) in fabricating viable objects for their upcoming O and A level design and technology projects; and (2) how it can be used in their daily life. The awareness sessions also initiated students on the concept of 3D designing; conducting demos on 3D Printing technology and to promote the STEM subjects and the Mauritius Digital Promotion Agency (MDPA) 3D Printing services.

100.The MDPA is implementing the Children Innovative Learning and Design (ChILD) programme in collaboration with the METEST and the Special Education Needs Authority. The ChILD is a 12-hour training programme consisting of two core modules namely: Scratch Coding 3.0 and Robotics (Codey Rocky & Lego WeDo 2.0 Kits). It aims to develop logical and computational thinking via basic coding and robotics knowledge to upper primary students (Grades 4, 5 and 6). This will foster a predilection for science and engineering to inspire young boys and girls to embrace STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. The MDPA also celebrates the Girls in ICT Day annually. Boot camps are organized with female students as target group. A small competition is also organized and the first three winners are given prizes. During the current year (2024), 3D printing technology was promoted. From, the year 2021 to 2024, 140 Government Schools and 29 Special Education Needs Schools have been trained on the ChILD Programme. Similarly, 17,905 pupils from government schools and 490 pupils from SEN schools as well as 188 teachers are trained on the above programme.

101.Since 1 September 2024, the Government of Mauritius launched a program providing free mobile internet to the youth aged 18 to 25-year-old to prepare the country’s youth for a digital future. The measure is part of government plans to enhance digital access and connectivity for the youth, facilitating their engagement in educational, professional and social activities.

102.Components of human rights have been incorporated in the curriculum at both primary and secondary levels. In tertiary institutions, the subject is taught at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. “Training of Trainers” programmes for educators are also conducted. Human rights components are integrated in the Teachers’ Diploma Primary Holistic Education Programme.

Employment

103.The Government of Mauritius has implemented a comprehensive array of measures to help working parents, especially women, to reconcile work and family life. Access for women to all areas of the private sector has been enhanced through legal framework. The new definition of worker under the Workers’ Rights Act now gives greater coverage of the working population. A worker is now defined as a person who draws a basic wage or salary of up to but not exceeding 600,000 rupees a year as compared to 360,000 rupees a year under the previous legislation. The definition also includes persons performing atypical work, that is, those performing work and paid remuneration under a contract of employment other than standard one despite the salary scale exceeds Rs 600, 000 a year., It further includes home worker, online platform worker and those who work for more than one employer at the same time. Their conditions of employment are covered under the Workers’ Rights (Atypical Work) Regulations 2019. workers). The following provisions have also enabled workers (in particular female) to adopt a more flexible work arrangement with their employers with a view to better fulfilling their family obligations as well as have the support of their spouse:

(a)Work from Home: The Government, with the increasing advent of technological innovations and with a view to opening up new avenues and opportunities for work among persons, including women and girls, other than at the traditional workplace, as well as to better support working mothers, especially, to fulfil their family obligations, and to facilitate their integration in the labour market, has come forth with the notion of “work from home” in the work culture which is protected under a legal framework;

(b)Flexi-time: Section 22 of the Workers’ Rights Act provides that a worker shall be entitled to request to work on flexi-time. This provision enables working parents, i.e., the mother and father, to care for their child or any other family responsibilities;

(c)Full-time to part-time agreement: Section 15 of the Workers’ Rights Act also extends the opportunity to all workers to combine personal life with continued workforce participation in as much as the worker may be eligible to make an agreement to perform part-time or full-time work;

(d)Compressed hours: To provide a more effective response to business operational requirements and concurrently workers’ social obligations, Section 21 of the Workers’ Rights Act was amended by the Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 to enable a worker to make a request to his employer to work on a 4-days weekly basis and the employer shall, subject to his operational requirements, grant this request. This arrangement eventually allows the worker to benefit from 3 days leave, instead of 2 days prior to the amendments of 20 July 2023.

104.Other measures pursuant to the Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 currently enable working parents, to avail themselves of reasonable leave or absence from work to tender after their sick child which can be offset against any leave entitlement. In cases where workers have to look after their parents and/or grandparents having health-care related issues, a maximum of 10 days’ leave with pay may be granted against any of their paid leaves.

105.The Back To Work (BTW) Programme has been implemented since June 2015 targeting, until June 2021, unemployed women of 35 years and above. Its main objective is to help women gain back their self-confidence and learn to integrate or re-integrate the labour market and to facilitate unemployed women to join or rejoin the world of work. During the financial year 2021/2022 the following two new measures were reviewed:

•Age criteria was changed to 30 and above but below 60;

•Monthly Stipend on placement which was Rs 5,000 was increased to Rs10,575;

•Training stipend which was Rs 6,000 was increased to Rs 10,575.

106.In the 2022/2023 Budget measures, the 1-year placement of women, under the Women BTW Programme was extended to 2 years, with effect from 01 July 2022.

107.The eligibility criteria for such entitlement are as follows:

•Age 30 and above but below 60;

•Be unemployed for 30 days or more at the time of registration;

•Be registered as unemployed at the Employment Information Centre (EIC);

•Be registered on the Women Back to Work Database;

•Not benefitting from any other Employment and Training scheme.

108.A female worker, on production of a medical certificate, is entitled to, with effect from 07 June 2024, pursuant to amendments made by the Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 to the Workers’ Rights Act:

•16 weeks’, instead of the previous 14 weeks’, paid maternity leave irrespective of her length of service with her employer to be taken:

•Before confinement, provided that at least 8 weeks’ maternity leave shall be taken immediately following the confinement; or

•After confinement.

109.Moreover, under Section 52 (1A) of the Act, a female worker who gives birth to twins, triplets or multiple births, or to a premature baby, shall, in addition to the maternity leave specified in subsection (1), be entitled to a 2-week additional maternity leave with pay.

•A payment of Rs 3000 as Maternity Allowance on condition that she has at least 12 months continuous service with the same employer. The payment is prorated in the case of a part-time worker;

•3 weeks’ leave followed by an additional 5 days’ leave, both on full pay immediately after the miscarriage;

•16 weeks leave on full pay, if she gives birth to stillborn child;

•2 breaks of half-hour or one hour break for nursing her unweaned child;

•Not perform duties requiring continuous standing during pregnancy;

•Not to be required to work between 6.00 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the 12 months following her confinement.

110.Furthermore, under Section 64(1), the Workers’ Rights Act gives enhanced protection to women, who are in family situation, against termination of employment on a discriminatory basis as follows:

•“An agreement shall not be terminated by an employer by reason of –

•A worker’s race, colour, caste, national extraction, social origin, place of origin, age, pregnancy, religion, political opinion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, HIV status, impairment, marital status or family responsibilities;

•A worker’s absence from work during maternity leave and for the purpose of nursing her unweaned child”.

111.Section 114 of the WRA states that, no person shall harass, sexually or otherwise; assault; verbally abuse, swear at or insult or humiliate in any manner whatsoever; express the intention to cause harm to; bully or use threatening behaviour towards; use aggressive gesture indicating intimidation, contempt or disdain towards; or by words or act, hinder a worker, including any person undergoing training under training scheme, in the course of or as a result of his work or training.

112.In order to further combat and eliminate violence at work, sub-section (3) of section 114 has also stiffened the provisions of the law to provide that an employer shall be vicariously liable for violence at work including sexual harassment, committed by a worker and any third party where the employer knew or should have known of the violence at work and failed to take any action, within a period of 15 days of the day he becomes aware of the act, to prevent or stop the violence. Additionally, to limit any unwanted act of workplace violence or harassment, NO employer or his agent shall carry out a search on a worker. The penalty for workplace violence which was previously fixed to a fine of up to Rs 75,000 has been increased to Rs 100,000 and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years instead of 2 years under the repealed Employment Rights Act 2008.

113.The Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms (MPSAR) has worked on a Sexual Harassment Workplace Policy for Ministries/Departments. Circular letter No. 37 of 2024 on Sexual Harassment Workplace Policy dated 03 June 2024 was issued by the MPSAR to all supervising officers in charge of Ministries/Departments. The policy aims to foster a work environment free from sexual harassment and any inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature. Moreover, it seeks to ensure full compliance with existing legislation while promoting a culture where public officers respect the dignity, privacy and right to equity of one another. The MPSAR is presently looking into the modalities of implementing the other features of the policy.

114.Section 26 of the Workers’ Rights Act 2019 (WRA) makes provisions for “equal remuneration for work of equal value”. Under this section, every employer, including a job contractor, shall ensure that the remuneration of a worker, including women and migrant workers, shall not be less favourable than the remuneration of another worker performing work of equal value.

115.Adequate protection is provided in the Workers’ Rights Act and the Employment Relations Act 2008 (EReA) for the safeguard of the fundamental rights of all workers (including women) whether in the formal or in the informal economy. The relevant sections of the Workers’ Rights Act and EReA which aim at mitigating informality in employment are as follows –

•Sections 11–14: Competency to Enter into Agreement, Particulars of Work Agreement and Types of Work Agreements.

116.The above section deters any abuse by employers for precariousness in employment and allows any worker to enjoy from the protection and benefits as provided under the WRA.

•Atypical workers: Broadening of coverage of workers under the WRA so as to also protect those workers not working under a standard contract of agreement.

117.The Government has introduced the Workers’ Rights (Atypical Work) Regulations 2019 and the Workers’ Rights (Working from Home) Regulations 2020. These regulations provide for terms and conditions of employment for workers performing atypical work such as home workers and also “online platform worker”. Those workers who do not have standard contracts of employment, have been brought to a great extent to enjoy the same rights to workers in the mainstream.

118.Efforts to encourage women to join the labour force are ongoing. All companies employing more than 250 employees are compulsorily required to provide free of charge, childcare facilities to a worker whose child is aged not more than 3 years. The state provides for double deduction on the cost of setting up a childcare centre for as well as a grant of up to Rs 650,000 for upgrading works. From 2023, it has been mandatory for all new shopping malls, office buildings and hotels to have a nursing room.

119.The Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 has amended the provision regarding paternity leave in the Workers’ Rights Act whereby same has been increased from 1 week to 4 weeks to encourage shared responsibility for the caring of a newborn child since the first days of parenthood is fundamental in building family bonds and in the development of the baby. This provision is deemed to have come into operation as from 7 June 2024.

120.The Workers’ Rights Act and National Minimum Wage Regulations 2017 provide robust protections for both local and foreign workers. Salaries are defined under the Remuneration Regulations for various employment sectors, ensuring equitable compensation. The National Minimum Wage, introduced at Rs 8,140 in 2018, has more than doubled after five years, reaching Rs 16,500 as of from January 2024 and Rs 17,110 as from January 2025. The labour laws apply across all employment sectors, formal and informal, and include provisions for workers engaged in atypical employment. The Portable Retirement Gratuity Fund (PRGF) under the Workers’ Rights Act further strengthens formalisation efforts, offering retirement security for workers while fostering mobility in a dynamic economic environment. Self-employed individuals can also contribute to the PRGF, encouraging the transition from informal to formal sectors.

121.Mauritius, a signatory to the ILO Migration for Employment Convention (No. 97) since 1969, ensures equality of treatment for migrant workers under labour legislation. Migrant workers receive are provided with terms and conditions of employment equal to their local counterparts, including guaranteed minimum wages. Migrant workers are not allowed to work in informal sectors, ensuring they remain under regulated conditions of their Work Permits.

122.The Special Migrant Workers’ Unit (SMWU) was established in 1999, and it provides oversight and support for migrant workers. Its functions include, among others:

•Vetting contracts and ensuring compliance with labour laws;

•Conducting workplace inspections and addressing grievances; and

•Sensitizing workers on their rights, including protection from human trafficking and trade union participation.

123.The One-Stop-Shop Service (OSS) was introduced in 2022 under the SMWU. This service centralises support for migrant workers, including labour rights, occupational safety, and work permits. It also maintains a database for grievance tracking and resolution.

124.There are also dedicated resources such as:

•A Guide to Migrant Workers pamphlet outlines rights and responsibilities;

•A dedicated webpage provides resources for migrant workers and employers.

125.The National Occupational Safety and Health Division (NOSHD) ensures workplace safety and decent living conditions for all workers are maintained by inspecting the workplace and lodging accommodations. Investigations are conducted following complaints which lead to prosecution of occupational safety breaches. Training programs on Occupational Safety and Health through the Occupational Safety and Health Training and Information Centre are available to all stakeholders including migrant workers on.

126.The effective collaboration between ministries ensures worker welfare. There are joint inspections involving labour, health, environment, and safety officials with prompt actions against non-compliant employers, including prosecution and follow‑up visits. The Labour and Industrial Relations Division (LIRD) works alongside other government units to safeguard worker dignity, uphold labour standards, and promote social justice.

Health

127.Section 235 A (1) of the Criminal Code provides strict conditions for termination of pregnancies. Under this law, no person shall provide treatment to terminate a pregnancy unless he:

(a)Is a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology who is registered as such under the Medical Council Act;

(b)Provides the treatment in a prescribed institution; and

(c)Complies with all the requirements of this section.

128.Section 235 A (2) of the Criminal Code provides that the specialist referred to in subsection (1) (a) may only provide treatment to terminate a pregnancy where another specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology and another specialist in the relevant field share his opinion, formed in good faith, that –

(a)The continued pregnancy will endanger the pregnant person’s life;

(b)The termination is necessary to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant person;

(c)There is a substantial risk that the continued pregnancy will result in a severe malformation, or severe physical or mental abnormality, of the foetus which will affect its viability and compatibility with life; or

(d)The pregnancy has not exceeded its fourteenth week and results from a case of rape, sexual intercourse with a female under the age of 16 or sexual intercourse with a specified person which has been reported to the police.

129.While this legislation provides a legal framework, women from disadvantaged backgrounds remain at risk of seeking unsafe abortions, while those from privileged backgrounds may afford safe procedures/abortions overseas. Awareness campaigns are ongoing to highlight the risks associated with unsafe abortions.

130.Cases treated for complications following abortion, including spontaneous:

Year	Government Hospitals	Private Clinics	Total
2018	969	285	1 254
2019	1 079	238	1 317
2020	1 170	168	1 338
2021	860	284	1 144
2022	794	336	1 130
2023	871	271	1 142

Source: Ministry of Health and Wellness.

131.Mauritius offers free healthcare services from primary healthcare level to specialised services to all its citizens, irrespective of income, gender, race, or religion. Pregnant women benefit from free antenatal care at the public health institutions where the majority (>75 per cent) of delivery are carried out by highly qualified midwives. Moreover, the Maternal and Child Health Handbook is being updated for further distribution. Regular capacity-building activities are conducted to train healthcare professionals involved in antenatal care and delivery to ensure they provide quality care across the country.

Maternal mortality – Republic of Mauritius

Year	No. of Maternal Deaths	Maternal mortality ratio
2018	5	0.39
2019	8	0.62
2020	8	0.59
2021	7	0.54
2022	5	0.41
2023	4	0.31

Source: Ministry of Health and Wellness.

132.In 2022, Mauritius launched the National Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy which is being implemented through a five –year plan 2022–2027. The policy ensures that a comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) package is available as well as accessible across the country, addressing various needs such as contraception, family planning, and maternal care. The key objectives are:

(a)To empower Mauritians to make informed decisions about their Sexual and Reproductive Health and ensuring that their SRH rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled;

(b)To improve access to comprehensive SRH services across all life stages;

(c)To provide priority and vulnerable groups with respectful, non-judgmental SRH services;

(d)To strengthen the healthcare system at the primary level to deliver integrated SRH services; and

(e)To promote multi sectoral engagement and accountability for a sustainable, rights-based services.

133.Efforts have been made to prevent unintended pregnancies, particularly among adolescents. Modern contraceptives are now accessible and affordable to women and girls, to prevent teenage pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). In 2023, twenty-five condom vending machines have been installed in public areas and community hotspots to facilitate its access.

134.Sexuality Education has been integrated into the school curriculum and awareness sessions on SRH are delivered in educational institutions and in the community by healthcare providers of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The Ministry of Health and Wellness works in collaboration with various Non‑Governmental Organizations (NGOs), including the Mauritius Family Planning and Welfare Association and Action Familiale, to provide age-appropriate information on the different components of sexual health and promote adoption of safe behaviours through youth-friendly SRH services. These programs are essential for equipping young people with knowledge about sexual health, contraception, and family planning.

Fertility rate – 2018–2023

Age range	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
15-19	23	22.2	21.7	19.5	19.3	20.5

Source: Ministry of Health and Wellness.

135.To address the heightened risk of HIV among adolescents, particularly those from key populations (e.g., transgender persons, gay and bisexual individuals, and those in rehabilitation centres), age-appropriate HIV and STI prevention programs are in place. These activities are carried out in collaboration with line Ministries and NGOs. These programs include education, behaviour change communication, and dedicated counselling services provided by psychologists and psychiatrists for adolescents dealing with mental health and substance use issues.

136.HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care and support services are accessible and available at the public health institutions and the prison settings. The Government of the Republic of Mauritius is a signatory to various regional and global commitments regarding HIV and AIDS. Existing protocols for the management of people living with and affected by HIV, Pre Exposure protocol, Post Exposure protocol and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV are updated regularly according to the World Health Organisation recommendations. Antiretroviral treatment protocol is reviewed to be aligned with international guidelines.

137.The National HIV Action Plan 2023–2027 guiding principles are those of Universal Health Coverage, Continuum of HIV services and Public Health Approach to HIV services. It was developed through a person-centred, rights-based and multi sectoral approach. The strategic objectives focus on priority activities to improve the HIV cascade and remove all the gaps along the HIV care continuum. The following activities have been implemented:

•Expanding access to HIV testing as prevention, targeting the hard to reach populations in remote locations;

•Establishing an additional One Stop Shop at Primary Health Care level and one at the Yves Cantin Community Hospital, for provision of integrated HIV/Harm Reduction Services and other specialized health services;

•Expanding Methadone Induction for females across all Methadone Induction Centres along with increase in female human resource for a more conducive environment;

•Setting up of “Orchidée Centre” for female residential methadone induction at Brown Sequard Mental Health Care Hospital;

•Collaboration with NGO Chrysalide for rehabilitation of female injecting drug users;

•Capacity building of NGOS, female social workers for quality care to female injecting drug users;

•Decentralising HIV services at community level: Setting up of a community health centre in the premises of an NGO to respond to the specific needs of the most vulnerable groups and launching of the “Banian” Centre in the premises of NGO PILS in the capital in 2023;

•Improving access to SRH services for key populations, including adolescents, the LGBTQ+ community, and those in rehabilitation centres;

•Training peer educators and community workers to enhance HIV testing and prevention outreach;

•Enhancing counselling skills of healthcare providers across all 5 health regions to provide quality care at the HIV service delivery points in 2024;

•Empowering healthcare providers in dealing with victims of Gender-Based Violence;

•Psychological support to the people living with, affected by, and at risk for HIV attending the AIDS and Harm Reduction Units.

138.To address the heightened risk of HIV among adolescents, particularly those from key populations, e.g. transgender persons, gay and bisexual men, and those in rehabilitation centres, age-appropriate HIV and Sexually Transmission Infection prevention programs are in place. These programs include education, behaviour change communication, and dedicated counselling services provided by psychologists and psychiatrists for adolescents dealing with mental health and substance use and abuse. NGOs play a vital role in reaching the hard-to-reach populations with HIV preventive tools, including condoms, lubricant gels and reducing stigma and discrimination against HIV positive individuals. The Peer Educators and Outreach Workers are engaged in the Needle Exchange Program through mobile caravans and are actively involved in tracking lost-to-follow-up patients and re-engaging them in care. NGOs have been provided a space in the HIV clinics for follow-up and addressing the unmet needs of key populations in particular the transgender persons, the female sex workers and drug users.

139.A multi sectoral approach has been adopted to respond to the needs of GBV victims. The Multi Sectoral Committee has been reinforced to improve the national AIDS response. The Lespoir mobile app – a panic button has been developed to protect victims of GBV. Emergency contraception, Post Exposure Prophylaxis are offered to victims of sexual assault.

140.Line Ministries, namely, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation and the Ministry of Health and Wellness work in collaboration to organise HIV preventive activities and counselling of the most vulnerable populations, in particular the adolescent girls and boys, young men and women. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, supported by UNFPA, runs a Population and Family Life Education program targeting young people aged 14–29 years. This program focuses on life skills development, peer education, counselling, and dissemination of information on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS through youth centres and tertiary institutions. While the program focuses on life skills and peer education, direct health or contraceptive services are not provided. Referrals to health facilities and Family Planning or contraceptive services are provided.

141.Mauritius has made significant strides in improving sexual and reproductive health services, HIV/AIDS prevention, and support for victims of gender-based violence. Policies implemented since 2018, including the National SRH Policy and the National HIV Action Plan 2023 - 2027, reflect the country’s commitment towards improving healthcare access and promoting gender equality. However, continued efforts are needed to ensure that all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, benefit from these initiatives.

Economic empowerment of women

142.The Republic of Mauritius focuses on social inclusion including stronger engagement with local communities for gender-responsive adaptation measures. Mauritius adopted the Marshall Plan against Poverty in 2016. It is a comprehensive strategy to promote socio-economic development of vulnerable groups in line with SDG 1. In order to implement the Marshall Plan, a Social Integration and Empowerment Act 2016 was enacted. The Act provides for the setting up of Empowerment Programmes and Schemes so that persons living in absolute poverty can integrate the mainstream society and improve their quality of life in a sustainable manner. The Act also makes provision for the payment of a monthly income support, known as Subsistence Allowance, effected to eligible Social Register of Mauritius (SRM) households through a Marshall Plan Social Contract (MPSC).

143.A poverty threshold was introduced to determine the eligibility of vulnerable households under the SRM to benefit from empowerment support. The absolute poverty thresholds for eligibility under the SRM was further scaled up to an enhanced ceiling from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,575 per adult and from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500 for a child in the 2023–2024 budget. As at 31 October 2024, 6,139 households, representing a total of 23,295 individual beneficiaries, were found eligible under the SRM and signed the MPSC.

144.Eligible households under the SRM have signed the MPSC benefit from a wide range of income and empowerment support schemes. The main income support is the Subsistence Allowance to ensure that the basic needs of people living in absolute poverty are effectively met and that they become economically independent. As at October 2024, 3,930 female-headed households and 2,209 male-headed households, were paid the Subsistence Allowance. The 6,139 households represent 23,295 individuals, comprising of 12,999 women/girls and 10,296 men/boys.

145.In 2020, a National Database for Vulnerable Groups was set up to register households earning a monthly income between Rs 10,500 and Rs 14,000. In 2023, the income thresholds were reviewed from Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,600 for an adult and from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,220 for a child. Therefore, households earning a monthly income above Rs 14,650 and not exceeding Rs 18,860 are now eligible for support under the National Database for Vulnerable Groups. These households receive in-kind support from the NSIF through registered NGOs. This aims at enhancing policy effectiveness in our fight against poverty.

146.Vulnerable households are often disproportionately affected by disasters such as flooding caused during strong cyclones and overflow of rivers which damage individual houses and infrastructure. To assist affected households, a cyclone allowance of Rs 250 per person, per night spent at the evacuee centre is payable. A flood allowance of Rs 250 per person per day for a maximum of 3 days is also payable, on submission of a police note. In the wake of cyclone Belal on 15 January 2024, a total of Rs 93.8 million was disbursed by Government and food packs were distributed to 3,880 families. During the episode of heavy rainfall on 21 April 2024, some Rs 3.6 million were disbursed to affected families. In the national budget for the financial year 2023/24, total allocation to poverty alleviation and empowerment stood at Rs 823.2 million, including social benefits which amounted to Rs 594 million.

147.Training courses are being provided to beneficiaries through training Institutions in various fields such as electrical installation, plumbing and pipe fitting, housekeeping, hairdressing and pastry making amongst others. As an incentive, participants are given a monthly stipend and a travel allowance to successfully attend the training. In addition, a toolkit is being provided to the beneficiaries during the training course and after completion, a start-up kit is provided so that they can start their own business. For the financial year 2023/2024, 89 beneficiaries have completed their training courses including 88 women.

148.The State provides a Crèche Allowance of Rs 3,000 to enable mothers to enrol their children aged between 3 months to 3 years in registered Child Day Care Centres, thereby allowing them to take up employment or follow a training course for the purpose of their empowerment. Life Enhancement Education Programme (LEEP), commonly known as training in Life Skills, is conducted to help towards changing and transforming the mindset of beneficiaries for a better future.

149.Economic empowerment is also undertaken through training programmes to persons with disabilities, without gender discrimination by the Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Board (TEDPB). During the year 2023, 10 persons were trained.

150.In Rodrigues, a range of programmes geared towards the economic empowerment of women have been initiated. In June 2024, Leadership Programmes were organized at community level, providing support and skill development opportunities for 140 women entrepreneurs. The Placement Programme for Vulnerable Women was established in 2022, with the aims to support vulnerable women by providing them with placement opportunities and financial stability. The program targets five women per year, offering them tailored support to improve their socio-economic conditions. Under the Programme d’Autonomisation des Familles, during the 2023/2024 financial year, a total of 43 beneficiaries participated in this economic empowerment initiative, which focuses on income-generating activities to promote financial independence. In 2022, the Family Farm Project initiative supported 45 beneficiaries, equipping them with the necessary resources and training to develop sustainable agricultural activities and enhance family livelihoods.

Disadvantaged groups of women

151.The welfare state of Mauritius provides free healthcare, education and a Basic Retirement Pension (BRP) to all its citizens. The Constitution of Mauritius protects the fundamental fights and freedom of individuals and ensures that no person is treated in any discriminatory manner. There is no discrimination between urban and rural women as the latter benefit from various services which are often decentralized and easily accessible.

152.The Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity (MSISSNS) (Social Security Division) offers a range of social protection schemes such as widow’s pension, survivor’s pension, social aid and poverty alleviation. The MSISSNS endeavours to promote socio economic development for vulnerable women in all its empowerment policies/programmes.

153.Government provides housing support to eligible SRM households and subsidises 80 percent of the cost of housing units under the Fully Concrete Housing Scheme for households who own a plot of land or under the 10 percent National Housing Development Company (NHDC) scheme for landless households. The Registration Duty Act was also amended in 2021 to introduce the Home Ownership Scheme and Home Loan Payment Scheme to promote home ownership.

154.In 2022, the Government introduced the monthly “Prime à l’Emploi” scheme which provides an allowance of up to Rs 15,00 for the first year of employment of 10,000 youth aged between 18 and 35 years and to women up to the age of 50. The scheme was extended to persons with disabilities in 2023. The scheme has so far benefitted 6000 individuals, including 5,500 women.

155.To ensure equity in education, the state provides free education to pre-primary, primary and secondary school students up to the age of 20 years. All students are provided with free textbooks from Grades 1 to 9. The state also ensures that transport is free for all students. Eligible students are also able to access tertiary education towards their first degree without paying any fees. Social aid and pensions are provided to all needy children and their parents.

156.In view of bridging the digital gap, free access to broadband internet has been provided to families under the SRM since July 2019.

157.Mauritius believes in the inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream society. The Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2024 provides for the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities and gives effect to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other international instruments to which Mauritius is a party, with the aim of eliminating discrimination against persons with disabilities. The Building Control (Accessibility and Gender Compliance in Buildings) (Amendment) Regulation 2017 was amended in 2022 to facilitate access to buildings for persons with disabilities. Regulations that govern the construction sector require that appropriate ramps are provided to cater for the needs of people with disabilities and facilitate mobility in building and infrastructural work.

158.Children with disabilities are provided with medical, paramedical, and financial assistance. The Disability Empowerment Unit of the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity provides assistance to persons with disabilities in terms of counselling, guidance and referral services. The Disability Empowerment Unit provides an array of services such as free parking cards, refund of bus fares/taxi fares to children with disabilities attending schools/day care centres, respite care programmes and loan facilities. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare provides psychological support to victims of violence and abuse including persons with disabilities to enable them to overcome emotional and psychological trauma related to abuse or violence. Support is provided at their residence in case they are unable to attend the outstation.

159.The Special Education Needs Authority (SENA), established under the SENA Act 2018 and overseen by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, regulates the Special Education Needs sector in Mauritius. With 78 registered SEN schools serving 839 girls and 1,905 boys aged 5 to 20, SENA has aligned its norms with national demographics. It has enhanced support by expanding its team of carers and teacher assistants to create a safe, supportive environment. This approach enables early detection of behavioural concerns and ensures a safeguarding framework. Literacy and numeracy are prioritized through individualized education plans (IEPs), tailored to each learner’s abilities, promoting inclusive education regardless of gender.

160.Mauritius is not party to the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, the Convention relating to the status of Stateless Persons and the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and neither is it a party to the AU Convention on Refugees. Mauritius being a small and densely populated island with stretched limited resources, has not yet adopted laws or policy to grant refugee status to foreigners. The Government of Mauritius cooperates with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for issues concerning refugees or asylum-seekers arise. Mauritius upholds the principle of nonrefoulement and treats applications for refugee status on political asylum on a humanitarian, case to case basis by facilitating their settlement in a friendly country willing to receive them.

Women in Detention

161.The Mauritius Prison Service is mandated to report to the National Preventive Mechanism Division (NPMD), Prisons Board of visitors, Special Rapporteurs, Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (OPCAT). Male and female detainees, remand and convicted detainees are always kept separate from each other. Young offenders are kept at the Correctional Youth Centre for Boys and Girls separately and also separate from adult detainees. The Prison Administration treats all detainees equally irrespective of race, sex, religion, gender, education and intellectual capacity among others. There are no discriminatory practices in the Mauritian Prisons and the prison administration complies with Nelson Mandela rules and other relevant guidelines.

162.Every detainee on admission to prison is informed about their rights and privileges. A handbook in three (3) languages (English, French and local language) is issued to them to enable them to adapt to prison rule and regulations.

163.The visit by lawyers to any detainee is carried out in the legal Advisor’s Room under sight but not hearing of officers. This measure is in line with National Human Rights to maintain confidentiality.

164.All newly admitted women detainees undergo a comprehensive health screening including history taking, pathological tests, and clinical examination, following which, those requiring psychological interventions are referred to prison psychologists or/and visiting psychiatrists.

165.All juvenile inmates, those involved in major crimes and those with previous psychiatric treatment are systematically followed up by the prison psychologist.

166.Entry tests are systematically carried out on all detainees. During incarceration, they are counselled to undergo voluntary screening for HIV, Hepatitis C, STIs and Tuberculosis. Monitoring for non-communicable diseases (NCD) is an ongoing process. Women detainees benefit from monthly gynaecological clinics and have regular screening for breast and cervical cancers.

167.All women detainees are subject to pregnancy test on admission. Pregnant detainees are offered ante-natal and post-natal care at public hospital. Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) is a prime concern of the Prison Health Service and proper follow up is maintained accordingly.

168.All children living with their incarcerated mothers benefit from special areas dedicated to them which are adequately conducive for their growth and development till the age of five. They are enrolled in extramural kindergartens and schools to cater for their educational and social development. They benefit from health services such as baby clinics, immunization and paediatricians at public hospitals.

169.Women detainees, both local and foreigners, are allowed contact with the outside world. They can communicate with their relatives through visits (closed and open visits, letter writing, phone calls from telephone booths which have been installed inside prisons solely for the purpose, Skype visits for foreigners and family who cannot call in person for visits.

170.Women detainees are also engaged in vocational training such as garment making and embroidery, cooking and kitchen work, pastry, beauty care and hairdressing, vegetable production, hydroponic and aquaponic, literacy and numeracy, basic computer literacy courses, laundry system and professional cleaning duties.

171.The support of a textile company has been enlisted for a recycling project having as motto “From Trash to Treasure” at the Women prison. Waste textile materials are being converted into rug mats and this activity is being continued after release with follow-up by NGOs.

172.To prepare detainees to reintegrate society upon release, with the help of Governmental Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations, there are:

•Pre-release Programmes: Organisations within civil society, upon approval from competent authorities, call to the prison to deliver talks and provide psychosocial support to detainees prior to their release to prepare them for their social re-integration. These may include counselling sessions, working with detainees and their families, training on life-skills, religious and moral welfare, educational and vocational Training;

•Post-Release Programmes: Some detainees who have showed good predisposition while undergoing their term of imprisonment, may be selected for job placement upon release from prison and be provided with facilities by NGOs for toolkits and other types of support to start their own business. Some NGOs have been making provisions for those detainees under well-defined projects.

173.In 2023, UNDP Mauritius supported the launch of an aquaponics and hydroponics training farm at the Beau Bassin prison, promoting a human rights-based and rehabilitative approach to incarceration. This initiative equipped 38 women inmates with valuable economic empowerment skills for their future ventures as part of their re-integration in the economic landscape.

Marriage and family relations

174.The Civil Status Office, under the Prime Minister’s Office, has proposed the reinstatement of Chapter 9 of the Civil Code. However, this decision is subject to government approval following consultations with the State Law Office to assess any potential impact on existing regulations.

175.Regarding child custody, the absence of proper marriage registration does not prevent parents from filing for custody or alimony at the Supreme Court, similar to cases involving children born within legally recognized unions. The court also entertains cases for “action en recherche de paternité” when a father refuses to acknowledge his child.

176.The definition of “marriage” in Mauritius refers to civil or religious marriages as outlined in Section 2 of the Civil Status Act. Section 3 of the Act establishes Civil Status Offices for the registration of marriages and other civil matters, while Section 5 mandates that the Registrar of Civil Status maintain records of all marriages, including religious marriages with civil effects.

177.According to Section 30(a) of the Civil Status Act, all religious marriages performed according to Muslim rites must be registered with the Muslim Family Council. Unregistered religious marriages are not legally recognized. However, marriages registered in accordance with this section are governed by articles 2281-1 to 228-10 of the Code Civil Mauricien (CCM). Section 74 of the Civil Status Act also provides for the registration of marriages performed before January 1, 1982, upon joint declaration by the parties involved, allowing such unions to be officially recorded.

178.Currently, women’s rights in the dissolution of marriages are protected under existing laws, though no specific provisions address de facto relationships. Furthermore, there has been no comprehensive study on the prevalence of polygamy in Mauritius, and its practice is prohibited under the law. Muslim religious marriages that are not recognized by civil authorities do not confer polygamous status.

179.Mauritius recognizes three types of marriage regimes:

•Communauté des biens (community of property): Upon dissolution, each spouse retains their separate property and participates in the liquidation of communal assets and liabilities (Article 1450, CCM);

•Séparation des biens (separation of property): This regime allows spouses to retain, manage, and dispose of their personal property independently, as though they were unmarried (Articles 1475–1476, CCM);

•Contrat de mariage (marriage contract): Spouses may establish specific property arrangements, provided they do not contravene public policy or legal standards (Article 1387, CCM).

180.The Civil Code explicitly prohibits entering into a second marriage before the dissolution of the first (Article 150, CCM). Non-compliance with marriage registration requirements is criminalized under Section 64 of the Civil Status Act, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Similarly, Section 257 of the Criminal Code punishes bigamy with up to 20 years of penal servitude, with accomplices facing equivalent penalties. Despite legal prohibitions, some reports indicate that polygamy is still practised within the Muslim community. However, since 1981, the Mauritian Civil Code has outlawed polygamy, and Section 257 of the Criminal Code enforces strict penalties for bigamy.

181.The issue of amending or repealing Article 254(1) to ensure women’s right to alimony regardless of divorce grounds remains unresolved, as it may be perceived as discriminatory against men. A more equitable approach would make alimony contingent on the needs and resources of both parties, irrespective of the grounds for divorce.

182.Child marriage is unlawful in Mauritius following the implementation of the Children’s Act 2020 as of January 2022. The National Children’s Council, under the MGEFW conducts awareness programs such as the “Atelier Partage Parents” to educate parents about the dangers of child marriage and promote gender equality, emphasizing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Climate change

183.In line with the government’s commitment to gender mainstreaming, the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (MESWMCC) has integrated gender considerations into key climate policies, including the Climate Change Act 2020, the updated 2021 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the 2022 NDC Action Plan. These documents were finalized through broad consultations, including with women. The Climate Change Act 2020 establishes an Inter-Ministerial Council chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Minister for Gender as a permanent member. Additionally, Section 8(2)(m) mandates climate studies to consider gender, human rights, and cultural heritage. However, challenges remain due to limited data on women’s participation in climate decision-making.

184.The Gender Action Plan in the mitigation sectors was formulated in 2023 under the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action project. During the process, a gender analysis was conducted for each greenhouse gas emissions sectors and sub-sectors using statistics and data for the Republic of Mauritius. Gender terminologies have equally been defined to facilitate comprehension. This analysis has revealed that climate change mitigation, which relies predominantly on technological and engineered solutions, is an area that is dominated by male participation. Moreover, the gender analysis has revealed that this male bias can be related to the low participation of girls and young women in specific fields of study namely Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

185.The Gender Action Plan, which contains 46 actions which would require an investment of some USD 17 million by 2030, was formulated in alignment with the National Gender Policy 2022 – 2030 as well as with the requirements of the Gender Action Plan adopted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2017. There is, therefore, a need for stakeholders to positively contribute to ensure that the actions therein are fully implemented in order to mainstreaming gender and climate change in key sectors including adaptation which are vital for our country to achieve its development goals. Various capacity building and awareness programmes were undertaken and gender issues and the views of women representatives were taken on board. For example, the Capacity Building Initiative on Transparency (CBIT) on improving the greenhouse inventory data collection and analysis process, is ensuring that 50 per cent of the women are trained at the end of the project in 2026.

186.In line with UNFCCC COP 25 Decision 3, Mauritius appointed a representative from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare (MGEFW) as the national gender and climate change focal point. The country’s climate negotiation position for COP27 was developed with MGEFW’s input. The 2023 updated National Position, aligned with the National Gender Policy 2022–2030, commits the Ministry of Environment (MESWMCC) to integrate gender considerations into all climate policies and programs. It also emphasizes capacity building for both men and women to promote a gender-responsive, inclusive, and knowledge-based approach to climate action and sustainable development.

187.Under the GCF-funded Low-Carbon Economy Project, significant progress was made in advancing low-emission sustainable development. In 2023, with UNDP support, 3.7 MW of rooftop solar PV panels were deployed. Over 1,800 low-income families, including 100 in Rodrigues, received 1.5 kWp systems, while 350 middle-income households and 150 NGOs received 2 kWp kits. Around 1,100 women-headed households gained access to clean, affordable energy. Additionally, 180 women, including entrepreneurs and members of women’s associations, participated in awareness sessions on renewable energy and solar PV systems, promoting energy access and gender-inclusive sustainability.

Sustainable Development Goals

188.Mauritius is actively integrating a gender perspective in its efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on Information Technology (IT) for equity. The government has been implementing policies and programs to enhance women’s and girls’ access to IT education and careers, aiming to reduce the gender gap in the tech industry. This includes initiatives for digital literacy and IT training programs tailored for women, promoting female participation in STEM fields, and supporting women entrepreneurs in the tech sector. These efforts are geared towards creating an inclusive digital environment that empowers all genders, contributing to equitable and sustainable development.

189.The NPCC’s ELIT (English Literacy using Information Technology) Project, launched in 2005, aims to bridge the digital divide and promote entrepreneurship among women by addressing barriers related to low academic backgrounds and limited English literacy. Funded by UNESCO, over 2,500 women have been trained, by 2023 through collaboration with various stakeholders. To adapt to challenges such as COVID-19, ELIT was rebranded as ELIT Online, expanding its reach to Mauritius, Madagascar and Rodrigues. In 2023, NPCC trained 24 women from 20 NGOs to deliver ELIT Online, with Mauritius Network Services Ltd (MNS) sponsoring further training for six NGOs in 2024. Five NGOs trained over 60 women, and 10 National Women Council officers helped train over 200 more in collaboration with the National Empowerment Foundation. Additional digital literacy sessions have also empowered women entrepreneurs in managing their micro-businesses.

190.The Energy Efficiency Management Office (EEMO) is promoting energy efficiency such that it benefits people of all genders and address potential gender inequalities related to energy access and use within households.

•Reduced Energy Bills: Energy-efficient practices and technologies help to lower energy consumption, leading to cost savings for all household members.

•Environmental Sustainability: Reduced energy consumption benefits the environment by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

191.Addressing Gender Inequality and SDG 7:

•Women and Energy Management: As women often manage household chores and finances, energy-efficiency awareness sessions conducted by EEMO helps to empower them to make informed decisions about energy use, potentially leading to greater control over household budgets;

•Time Savings: Energy labelling for household appliances which has been made mandatory through the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Regulated Machinery) Regulations helps to promote the availability of energy efficient appliances. These appliances and practices can save time spent on tasks like cooking or cleaning. This helps in freeing up time for women to pursue education, employment, or leisure activities;

•Improved Safety: Energy-efficient lighting and proper ventilation create a safer and healthier home environment for everyone.

192.The EEMO by promoting energy efficiency with a gender-inclusive approach, is helping to achieve greater social equity while contributing to a more sustainable future for all.

193.The Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency (MARENA) has a broad range of functions which spans from supporting studies and research on Renewable Energy technologies to developing guidelines and standards for projects to carrying sensitization programmes to sharing information and knowledge on Renewable Energy technologies. Statistically, women are less present in the renewable energy sector. As part of meeting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on gender equality, awareness campaigns are being organized in various regions to target women to increase the participation of women in the Renewable Energy sector.

194.Under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project, MARENA launched a training program focused on women’s entrepreneurship and the basics of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The training aimed to equip women, especially those in micro‑enterprises, with technical knowledge on the installation, operation, and maintenance of PV systems, along with entrepreneurial skills. Funded under Component 1 of the GCF project, the initiative trained 192 entrepreneurs, 175 of whom were women, to support gender-inclusive socio-economic development in the renewable energy sector.

Data collection

195.With regard to steps taken to enhance data collection systems to ensure collection of data disaggregated by sex, age, disability, ethnicity, location and socioeconomic status, especially on the situation in Rodrigues, the data is available from the 2022 Housing and Population Census on request. Key statistics for a better understanding of Rodrigues based on the 2022 Housing and Population Census will be available on the website of Statistics Mauritius.

196.In line with the National Strategy and Action Plan (NSAP) on the Elimination of Gender Based Violence (GBV), a Baseline Study and Data on the extent of GBV available in Rodrigues will be carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare and the Rodrigues Regional Assembly (RRA). The study will be conducted by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC). As part of its 2024/2025 financial year initiatives, the Commission in Rodrigues is developing an Integrated Database on Teenage Pregnancy and GBV. This project aims to enhance data collection and analysis, enabling more effective monitoring and response to these critical issues. Additionally, the implementation of the DOVIS Programme in Rodrigues is currently in progress. Several officers have already undergone specialised training, and training sessions for newly recruited officers are scheduled to take place soon.

Additional information

197.The Rodrigues Regional Assembly (RRA) has established institutional mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of the National Gender Policy recommendations and to ensure gender mainstreaming across all sectors. Additionally, the Rodrigues Gender Policy (2013–2017) is currently under review with the support of a consultant and the MGEFW, aiming to update and strengthen gender equality strategies in alignment with evolving societal needs.