Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Johanne Prosper
Published on 2024-02-26 15:00:01
The Prime Minister and leader of the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), Pravind Jugnauth, criticized the treatment of women under the Labour era. He was speaking yesterday at the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre (SVICC) as part of the annual International Women’s Day ceremony, celebrated this year before the official date of March 8 due to the religious calendar, by the Ministry of Gender Equality. The occasion for the PM to target the Labour Party of Navin Ramgoolam in particular. “What will they come to do next? Bis Macarena?” he wondered, implying that the former PM would not be an example to follow when it comes to respecting women.
Pravind Jugnauth devoted most of his speech to contrasting the achievements of his government in favor of women with the situation of women under the Labour government from 2005 to 2014. He took aim at his direct challenger, Navin Ramgoolam, stating that the latter is not known for showing the necessary respect towards women. “It is unfortunate that in the past there have been former Prime Ministers who did not show respect towards women. I have always said that an example should be set from the top. If you have a Prime Minister who does the Macarena. Do we want that kind of behavior? What will they come to do next? Bis Macarena? Another type of dance?” he said, emphasizing that public figures should be role models for society.
The government needs to listen and respect women as much as men. Pravind Jugnauth stressed the importance of education and raising awareness among men about women’s values at home and within society. He believes that women can play a larger role in the development and progress of the country. He used his speech to compare his government’s achievements with Labour regimes, citing measures such as the introduction of a minimum wage and an increase in old age pensions.
He highlighted how under the Labour government, female cleaners were paid only Rs 1,500 per month, a situation that his government had rectified. He emphasized that the minimum wage had recently increased to Rs 18,500 with government allowances and salary compensation. He stated that the MSM government will continue to empower those at the bottom of the economic ladder, especially women.
The PM also addressed the issue of the Riverwalk safes, questioning if this money was “dirty money”, and suggesting that Navin Ramgoolam has some explaining to do. He expressed pride in his government’s achievements and commitments to progress for women, emphasizing that women should not be complacent or swayed by negative influences, but should continue to strive for progress.
The theme chosen for this year’s International Women’s Day is “More Power to Women”. The Prime Minister launched the gender equality label for the public sector competition to recognize and reward efforts in promoting gender equality. A video on the theme “More Power for Women” was also presented.
The atmosphere at the event yesterday had a strong political overtone, with orange partisan banners supporting the PM and leader of the MSM, Pravind Jugnauth. Messages like “Pravind we love you” and “5 Female Ministers Thank you PM” were displayed on banners circulating among the audience. The majority of attendees were from MSM regional branches across the island, as well as socio-cultural associations and elderly individuals who were clearly mobilized to ensure the success of the event, especially since the parliamentary and extraparliamentary opposition had not planned any events to celebrate Mauritian women in the current context.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
