Round Table in Roche Caiman Celebrates Seychellois Women Leaders
VICTORIA, Seychelles, To celebrate International Women’s Day, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs organised a round table yesterday at the Roche Caïman community centre. The round table, presided over by Minister Elsia Françoise, aimed to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Seychellois women from various fields and backgrounds, under the theme ‘Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress’. The gathering provided a forum for reflection on the role of women in national development and the steps required to advance gender equality in Seychelles.
The panellists were Lisa Thompson, Beryl Dodin, Isis Rath and Marquise Padayachy, four women entrepreneurs and professionals. They were invited to share their journeys, the challenges they had overcome, and the opportunities they saw for the next generation of women in Seychelles. Each panellist brought a different perspective, drawing on her own professional background and personal experience to illustrate the breadth of women’s contribution to the country’s economy and society. The discussion covered topics ranging from access to finance to balancing family responsibilities with career ambitions.
In her opening remarks, Minister Hoareau underlined that ‘Inspiring Inclusion emphasises the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society while creating environments where all women are valued and respected’. She continued by saying that investing in women and defending gender equality drives a future in which everyone in society can flourish, creating a world of unlimited opportunities and empowerment for all. She added that the world is facing many crises, and by investing in women, we can bring about change and accelerate the transition towards a better, healthier, safer and more egalitarian world for all.
Minister Hoareau took the opportunity to remind the audience that ‘on this day, let us not forget the women who are at home, for they deserve equally our appreciation and admiration’. She noted that they too possess exceptional skills in planning and organisation of their daily tasks, culinary competences, the art of being multitaskers, family budget management, caring for the sick and the elderly, and much more. She called on the audience to acknowledge and applaud their often-unseen contributions to families and communities across the country.
The principal secretary Kevin Perine added that ‘within our own personnel, we are lucky to count exceptional women who embody daily dedication, resilience and excellence in their work. From management positions to behind-the-scenes roles, every woman plays an essential part in our collective success’. He noted that International Women’s Day is not only about recognising achievements but also about amplifying voices, defending equality and fostering inclusion. All the women present received a rose as a gift, and the programme ended with a succulent lunch, leaving participants with renewed energy to continue advocating for gender equality in their respective spheres of influence.
