International Women's Day - Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress

Fifty-five students from five secondary schools across Mauritius participated in an interactive panel discussion entitled, “Inspiring Women in Science, Innovation & Entrepreneurship”  organised by the UN Resident Coordinator's Office for Mauritius and Seychelles with our partners the Australian High Commission and the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre on Friday 22 March 2024 in the context of International Women’s Day.

The panel discussion, which included prominent women professionals who are leading action to address political, social, economic, and environmental challenges in Mauritius, shared their experience and exchanged their views and perspectives with students, linking science, technology, and innovation.

Speaking at the opening of the panel discussion, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms. Lisa Singh highlighted: 

“It is more important than ever to invest in the full and equal participation of women and girls in science and technology. Tackling the greatest challenges to sustainable development require harnessing all talent. Accelerating gender equality will support inclusive, sustainable solutions to modern problems and build a better society for us all.”

Australia’s High Commissioner to Mauritius, H.E. Ms. Kate Chamley said: 

“We are delighted to be working with our partners at the UN in Mauritius and the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre to promote science, innovation and entrepreneurship for girls and boys in Mauritius which will help towards building a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous society."

The Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, Dr. Aman Maulloo whose institution’s mandate is to promote science and technology in Mauritius emphasized: 

“We need more boys and girls in the STEM fields and women are highly under-represented in STEM careers. Portraying role models is an excellent way to inspire students to embark on science pathways. At RGSC, we create the opportunity for students to interact with scientists to inspire our young minds.”

The event was organised to inspire young people, both girls and boys, with role models of women who are leading action to address political, social, economic, and environmental challenges with a particular focus on Science, Technology and Innovation which impacts on all fields. 

Panellists included the Secretary General of the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture, Ms. Jacqueline Sauzier; the Head of the Centre for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research, University of Mauritius, Prof. Archana Bhaw-Luximon; the Managing Director of Accenture Mauritius, Ms. Shalini Jugessur and the General Manager of Ebony Forest, Dr Christine Griffiths.