SAS Participants Learn about Women's Issues in Mauritius
As an island paradise, Mauritius lives up to its reputation with inviting beaches, crystal clear waters, lush vegetation, and majestic mountains. The economy is booming with construction, tourism, manufacturing, and an emerging high-tech sector supplementing the historic cane sugar agricultural market. As the nation has developed, so has the awareness of the needs of women in Mauritius. The issues are not unique - education, training, parenting skills, and social support. While in Mauritius, a Semester at Sea field program spent a day visiting agencies and organizations that are beginning to address some of those needs.
The National Women Entrepreneur Council prepares women to enter and prosper in the small business world. Semester at Sea field program participants learned of the variety of training programs that develop skills in critical areas such as marketing, finance, product pricing and human relations. Through a recently launched business incubator program, the council offers women training, support and a physical location to initiate and nurture small business ventures.
Support of another type is provided by the Crysalides residential shelter in Bambou. Women and their children who have been directly or indirectly affected by alcohol and drug abuse receive training and rehabilitation in a safe and structured environment. Six full-time staff members provide around the clock support for as many as 20 residents and their children. With an emphasis on developing a positive self image through education, life skills, job training and a personal support network, Crysalides is the only program of this type in Mauritius. Many graduates of the program return to offer volunteer services and serve as mentors to women who have recently entered the program. With minimal governmental funding, the facility relies on significant private support
The Ki Nou Ete Center in Port Louis is a non-residential facility established to help women successfully transition from incarceration back into society. Supported entirely by private funds, this nongovernmental organization focuses on developing work skills, parenting skills, and a support network that will help women and their families avoid a return to the environments that led to their incarceration. With a small but dedicated staff, they work as advocates for women as they attempt to find the structure and economic security that meaningful employment can provide.
While single parents face challenges in any culture, life is especially difficult for under-aged unwed mothers in Mauritius. The nuns of Bonne Terre Convent offer shelter and care to these young women until they give birth. And they work to establish a long-term living solution for mother and child with the father, the young mother’s family or another family willing to adopt both mother and child.
At the other end of the age spectrum, the convent also provides a retirement home for senior women. Originally established as a facility for mentally handicapped women, the center now provides a caring and supportive environment for elderly women regardless of race or religion.
By meeting and talking with these dedicated service providers, Semester at Sea program participants gained an understanding of some the issues that confront Mauritian women and insight into the emerging solutions.