Women in Mauritius

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Women in Mauritius
Sega Musik.jpg
Two female Sega music dancers (center and right) from Mauritius.
General Statistics
Maternal mortality (per 100,000)53 (2020)
Women in parliament20% (2020)
Women over 25 with secondary education45.2% (2010)
Women in labour force50% (2018)
Gender Inequality Index
Value0.375 (2013)
Rank63rd
Global Gender Gap Index[1]
Value0.663 (2018)
Rank109th
Part of a series on
Women in society
Venus symbol
Society
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Arts
  • Humanities
Popular culture
Sports
By country
  • v
  • t

Women in Mauritius refers to the social demographic of women in Mauritius. The role of women in Mauritian society has experienced a large degree of change over the last century. Historically, Mauritius has maintained patriarchal power structures, most notably in family and work life. Though, with the advent of rapid industrialization, many Mauritian women have been required to adopt larger roles in the workforce, which is exemplified by their participation in new jobs awarded in the creation of an 'Export Processing Zone' sector.[2] This shift has eventuated in a surge in 'dual-earner' and working single-mother households.[citation needed]

Furthermore, in 2008, Mauritius established the Employment Rights Act which forbids any form of discrimination within the workplace and stipulates equal remuneration for work of equal value.[3] Under this act and the Civil Code, both females and males, regardless of their marital status, have the legal right to choose their own profession [4]

Parliament[]

In the postcolonial era, women in Mauritius continue to experience the vestiges of colonialism.[5] During the 19th-century Mauritian law stated that women should be treated as the inalienable property of their husbands [6] However, the government has taken appropriate measures by repealing laws that they view deal with inheritance and emigration in an unjust manner.[7] In 1989 the government appointed equal opportunity officers in the principal ministries to deal with women's issues. Reports by the Ministry of Women's Rights and Family Welfare and others indicate that issues relating to discrimination have improved, however they continue to persist.[8]

Some notable developments in Parliament include: Mrs Ameena Gurib-Fakhim accession to the presidency,[9] as well as, Hon.Mrs Maya Hanoomanjee's attainment of the position of the first woman Speaker in 2014.[10]

Events[]

In 2016, the Ministry of Gender Equality requested the withdrawal of an advertisement by Coca-Cola which was considered "sexist" following a complaint from a gender consultant.[11] In March 2018, a new law was established to form the National Women’s Council as a platform for women to voice out their needs and aspirations.[12] In order to address issues like violence against women, trafficking of women, and the promotion and protection of rights to sexuality and sexual and reproductive health, in May 2018, a joint monitoring framework agreement on the gender action plan was signed with the European Union.[12]

Indices of Development[]

Economic[]

In Mauritius, working age females (15+) have an unemployment rate of 10%.[13] The percentage of women in senior positions, such as: Senior Chief Executive, Permanent Secretary and Deputy Permanent Secretary, increased from 23% in 2001 to 40% in 2016.[14] The international conference in August 2018, produced a declaration on women’s economic empowerment in addition to a work plan on the priority areas of the Indian Rim Association to significantly contribute to women’s economic empowerment.[12]

Education[]

The proportion of students progressing from primary cycle to secondary cycle in 2011 was 79% for boys and 84% for girls, signalling the outperformance of girls at a higher school level.[15]

Gender[]

In 2013, Mauritius' Gender Inequality Index was 0.375.[16] According to Ms. Jeewa-Daureeawoo, Mauritius is on the right track to eliminating discrimination against women.[12]

References[]

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Library of Congress Country Studies website http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/. (Data as of 1994.)

  1. ^ "The Global Gender Gap Report 2018" (PDF). World Economic Forum. pp. 10–11.
  2. ^ Mauritius Women in Culture, Business, & Travel. California: World Trade Press. 2010. p. 1.
  3. ^ "Mauritius" (PDF). OECD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE. 2019.
  4. ^ "Mauritius" (PDF). 2019.
  5. ^ Vlcek, William (2019-01-02). "The Mauritian Paradox: Fifty Years of Development, Diversity and Democracy". The Round Table. 108 (1): 104–106. doi:10.1080/00358533.2019.1565351. ISSN 0035-8533. S2CID 159199613.
  6. ^ Ramtohul, Ramola (2020-07-30). "Women in Mauritius". Oxford Research Encyclopedia of African History. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780190277734.013.528. ISBN 9780190277734. Retrieved 2020-10-27.
  7. ^ Gokulsing, Deepa (2014). "Gender, education and labour market: evidence from Mauritius". International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy. 34 (9/10): 609–633. doi:10.1108/IJSSP-01-2013-0001. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  8. ^ Calder, Angus (2003). "A man for all cultures: the careers of learie constantine". Culture, Sport, Society. 6 (1): 19–42. doi:10.1080/14610980312331271469. ISSN 1461-0981. S2CID 145776720.
  9. ^ "Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim".
  10. ^ "H.e. Santi Bai Hanoomanjee".
  11. ^ "Mauritius Is Known For Encouraging Women To Work At Higher Positions". International Television Network. 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "OHCHR | Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women reviews the report of Mauritius". www.ohchr.org. Retrieved 2020-10-27.
  13. ^ UN Women (2020). "Mauritius". UN Women - Women Count.
  14. ^ "Statistics Mauritius". Mauritius Government. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  15. ^ DefiMedia (2016). "Pub de Coca-Cola : le ministère de l'Égalité des genres fait marche arrière". Le Defi Media Group (in French). Retrieved 2020-10-27.
  16. ^ UNDP (2020). "Gender Inequality Index". UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME -Human Development Reports.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""