The Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, chaired, this afternoon, the fifth High-Level Committee for the Elimination of Gender-based Violence (GBV), at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis.
The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun; the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Kalpana Devi Koonjoo-Shah; other Ministers and personalities were present on this occasion.
In a statement, Minister Koonjoo-Shah highlighted that the aim of this meeting was to take stock of the progress made as regards the implementation of the National Strategy and Action Plan on the Elimination of GBV. She expressed satisfaction as many of the indicators under the purview of four technical working groups have already been implemented or are in progress. This, she stated, demonstrates that the working groups, as well as relevant stakeholders, are well engaged in the fight against GBV.
The Gender Equality Minister reminded that no less than 16 Ministries are involved in the High-Level Committee, adding that a mid-term assessment will be carried out by an international consultant so as to give a better overview of the work completed so far. She underlined that laws only are not enough in the fight against GBV, which, according to her, requires a collective work of Government, Non-Governmental Organisations and the civil society at large, as well as a change in mentality of citizens.
Speaking about the support system already in place for victims of GBV, Minister Koonjoo-Shah indicated that they include the Mobile App ‘Lespwar’ and the hotline 139, amongst others. Several sensitisation campaigns are also carried out so that victims of GBV know where they can receive help and support, she added.
High-level Committee on GBV
The High-level Committee on GBV, which comprises several ministers and high officials, is chaired by the Prime Minister. It was set up by Government to promote the adoption of a multi-sectoral and holistic approach to address GBV, which is a violation of human rights and seriously hinders equality, development, and peace.
The Committee’s mandate is to assess the current situation with regard to the elimination of GBV in terms of legislative framework and its enforcement, policies, procedures and awareness campaigns; and to identify problem areas and ensure implementation of the National Strategy.
