Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Gaël Rangain
Published on 2024-03-08 05:30:20
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Day, celebrated on March 7th, 2024, is a significant occasion to acknowledge the accomplishments of IORA member states in promoting regional cooperation. Mauritius, deeply engaged in the Indian Ocean region, is a founding member and the host of the IORA Secretariat. This dedication reflects a continuous effort to enhance IORA’s role and benefits for member states and beyond. Recognizing the common maritime heritage and the shared aspirations for peace and prosperity, strengthening relationships among Indian Ocean countries is crucial. Additionally, IORA serves as a valuable platform for progress in specific areas, such as its initiatives to promote women’s empowerment and tourism. Mauritius stands out not only for its strategic location but also for its commitment to empowering women in the tourism sector.
Located in the vibrant tapestry of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius boasts a diverse blend of cultures and traditions. This island nation has been actively advocating for women’s involvement in the tourism industry, acknowledging their significant contributions to its success. As the chair of the IORA Core Group on Tourism and the host of previous IORA events focused on tourism, Mauritius has made significant strides in advancing women’s economic empowerment in the region.
The recent celebration of IORA Day at Tribeca Mall on March 2 included participation from embassies in Mauritius, offering a glimpse of their cultures through food, performances, art displays, and more. The event highlighted women entrepreneurs from various IORA member states, showcasing their products and supporting women-led businesses. The Ministry of Fisheries in Mauritius also played a key role in promoting awareness about the importance of a sustainable Indian Ocean, aligning with the theme of “Ensuring a Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations.”
A report by IORA underlines the crucial role women play in the tourism sector, with women in Mauritius constituting 42.6% of the tourism workforce. This diversity of contributions includes roles in hospitality, travel agencies, cultural preservation, and local crafts. Women entrepreneurs are taking the lead in establishing businesses like homestays and souvenir shops, offering authentic experiences to visitors and driving local economic development.
To continue empowering women in the IORA region, Mauritius can take further steps such as developing a comprehensive gender equality strategy for the tourism sector, collecting and analyzing data on women’s participation in tourism, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, and promoting knowledge sharing and best practices. These efforts will pave the way for a more inclusive and empowering future for women in the tourism industry.
The historical overview of IORA traces back to its establishment in March 1995 by seven core group states, which later expanded to include more member states, with the aim of promoting economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean Rim region. The objectives of IORA revolve around sustainable growth, balanced development, economic cooperation, and liberalization within the Indian Ocean rim, underpinned by the principle of open regionalism.
Overall, IORA Day serves as a milestone to celebrate achievements, promote cooperation, and advance the empowerment of women in the tourism sector within the Indian Ocean region. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to gender equality, Mauritius remains at the forefront of promoting inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
