Attorney General Yatin Varma launches SADC Gender Protocol 2010 Barometer: Mauritius

Attorney General Yatin Varma launched the SADC Gender Protocol 2010 Barometer in Mauritius at a colourful ceremony held at the Gold Crest Hotel on 26 October.

In his address, Varma paid tribute to the work of Gender Links, especially on gender-based violence. While Mauritius has not adopted the SADC Gender Protocol, Varma highlighted that the Constitution of Mauritius guarantees the equality of all citizens and the respect of fundamental rights, such that Mauritius has adopted and harmonised some key legislation in an attempt to eliminate any form of discrimination and bridge the gap between men and women.

The Mauritius 2010 Country Barometer and Policy Development Handbook on Care Work for HIV and AIDS were also launched at the same event by Minister of Health and Quality of Life Maya Hanoomanjee.

In her speech, Hanoomanjee said: “The handbook avers that care workers for HIV & AIDS are seen to be mainly doctors and nurses, and those working behind the curtains, namely the mother, wife, sister and family members of the patients are neither seen, nor recognised by policy makers.”