LocationsLocal authorities called to play a major role in the fight against all forms of domestic violence including GBV
UNDP supports a series of activities during the '16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Week'
December 11, 2023
Representatives of the Mauritius Police Force and of UNDP Mauritius Country Office during the launching ceremony of a 2-day workshop aiming to train women police officers on Gender-Based Violence
Stéphane Bellerose / UNDP Mauritius
The United Nations Development Programme country office for Mauritius has supported a series of events organized by the Mauritius Police Force in the context of this year’s edition of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence week, on the theme 'UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.'
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign led by civil society, starting on November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) and concluding on December 10 (Human Rights Day). Originating in 1991, it underscores that violence against women is a widespread human rights violation. Activists globally utilize these days to organize and advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls (VAWG). The campaign serves as a powerful strategy to address and raise awareness about the pervasive issue of gender-based violence, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action.
In collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Brigade pour la Protection de la Famille, a section of the Mauritius Police Force specializing in Domestic Violence, UNDP supported three main events in Mauritius during this impactful campaign.
On December 6, a consciousness-raising forum took place in Flic en Flac, gathering women from diverse "Forces Vives." Attended by 50 participants, the event aimed to enhance awareness of legal provisions related to various forms of domestic violence, encompassing gender-based violence, abuse against the elderly, persons with disabilities, and children. The session also introduced ‘Lespwar’ and ‘Sekirite’, mobile apps developed with UNDP support. These apps empower victims of Gender-Based Violence or Elderly abuse to seek assistance promptly by utilizing a panic button on their phones, contributing to improved safety and response mechanisms facilitated by law enforcement.
Moving forward to December 7, UNDP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management and the Mauritius Police Force, supported a capacity-building workshop on domestic violence. Tailored for local authorities, including District and Village Councilors, Ministry Officers, and Facilitators, the workshop was an integral part of UNDP's COVID-19 recovery program, generously supported by Japan. In response to the alarming statistics of 1822 reported cases of domestic violence and 323 cases of child abuse in Mauritius in 2023, the event emphasized the imperative for comprehensive solutions and highlighted the crucial role of local authorities in spearheading community initiatives to effectively address and combat domestic violence.
On December 8 and 9, UNDP facilitated a 2-day workshop entitled 'Gender-Based Violence: A gender-sensitive approach in policing' in Plain Magnien. Dedicated to 75 members of the Women Police Officer Network (WPON) the workshop brought the participants to deepen their understanding of gender dynamics, focusing on the knowledge, skills, and sensitivity required to responding effectively to cases of GBV.
UNDP maintains unwavering dedication to eliminating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Republic of Mauritius. It actively supports crucial investments to support a comprehensive response to diverse forms of domestic violence as exemplified through the development of innovative digital solutions; the facilitation of capacity building workshops for various stakeholders, and significant contributions to the formulation of national strategies, action plans, and law enforcement initiatives.