Mauritius: Working for a better future for women

It is not every day that one comes across an NGO that deals with controversial subjects like sex and sex related problems in Mauritius. ‘Femmes Engages pour un Meilleur Avenir’ (FEMA)   works to attain the goals of Articles 11 & 20 to 26 of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development. With the objectives of enabling women to express themselves, flourish in their quality of life and define their values, the NGO opened its door since 2006

The association organises a monthly session where women freely discuss on subjects like HIV and Aids, sexuality and self-development. The idea behind this platform is to empower young girls to prepare for adulthood especially around possible dangers or difficulties they may become exposed to. One of the members of FEMA said that these workshops have shaped the woman she is today. She is independent, autonomous and responsible.

Besides, members of FEMA also participate in many social activities. They devote their time for social actions as they regularly visit the homeless and convents. This year, the NGO will embark on research work in Barkly, a region of Rose-Hill where many vulnerable women and children live in order to contribute to their empowerment. Ultimately, the aim of the project is to enable women of Barkly to stand up on their own feet in all spheres of life: be it at home, at work, or in the society in general.