MPs must raise their voices against gender violence

The brutal murders of three women in the last few months have brought home the need for more proactive laws and for more action from our women politicians.

The brutal murders of three women in the last few months have brought home the need for more proactive laws and for more action from our women politicians.

In July, the naked body of 43-year-old Wilna Dine was found on the beach at Ros Copra. Seychelles was in shock. This was something that we read about in papers from elsewhere. It just did not and could not happen in our small country. Barely three weeks later,  Nora Larue, a 72-year-old woman, was found dead in her home, tied up. In August, a woman in her fifties was found dead on Grand Anse Beach. Some pieces of her clothes had been torn off.

The country has been affected both morally and economically by the women’s murders. Tourism has declined by five percent since August and is still on the wane. Women and young girls are scared to venture out of their homes.

Yet not one single female politician has come forward to condemn the crimes and demand prompt action. In one case, for instance, it has been established that the person responsible is the woman’s partner. The man in question still roams the streets, free.

The Alliance of Solidarity for the Family (ASFF) is the first non-governmental organisation to talk openly about the increase in violence. Rose Mary Elizabeth, the Director of the NGO  which promotes solidarity and peace in the family, says “families should play a greater role to help identify those responsible and prevent further attacks.”

While women in Africa and worldwide fight for  fair representation in Parliament, in Seychelles, it is a fait accompli. Women have always been at the forefront of politics since 1976, during the struggle for independence.

Today, the country prides itself on having three women ministers responsible for portfolios such as Administration, Local Government and Tourism, the backbone of the economy. In Parliament, women constitute almost 35 percent.

And yet, all these influential women do not address the disadvantages that women face in society. Why campaign for more women, if those already there are not using their power effectively?

The Family Violence Act protects women against all forms of domestic violence, and the Family Tribunal sorts out disputes within the family, and alimonies in cases of divorce or separations. But having these brilliant laws on paper is not enough. We need more actions from the government, NGOs and other political institutions. Our women activists need to voice their concerns more effectively.

If this does not happen quickly, then we will sadly wave goodbye to the good old days when women had the pride of place in their homes and the respect of their partners, children and neighbours.

Cindy Wirtz is a journalist and gender and media activist in Seychelles.

 This article is part of the GEM Opinion and Commentary Service that provides views and perspectives on current events.