United Seychelles Women’s Forum Pushes for Survey on Challenges Facing Young Girls

VICTORIA, Seychelles — The women’s forum of United Seychelles has called for a national survey to assess the challenges faced by young girls in both secondary and post-secondary education. The call was among the major resolutions to come out of the forum, which was held on Saturday at the International Conference Centre of Seychelles (ICCS) under the theme ‘Bann Madanm: Azan Sanzman Pour Devlopman Dan Sosyete Seselwa’ (Women: Agents of Change for Development in Seychelles Society).

Marie Ange Denis, chairperson of the Women’s Forum within United Seychelles, opened the event by expressing heartfelt appreciation for the contributions and devotion of women in Seychelles. ‘We keep recognising the efforts of women and keep persevering. Women are a force that can bring change in the country, and we can influence decisions that will benefit all women across the country,’ she said. The women present advocated for structures and mechanisms that would support young ladies, ensuring they make informed choices regarding their future.

It was also proposed that better structures be established to retain the labour force, especially in the health and education sectors, where women play an indispensable role. Women from the conference called for greater involvement in addressing social ills and suggested that retired women from local districts could play an active role in social visits and helping out in schools. The need to address the rising costs of basic commodities was also highlighted, with women advocating for measures to reduce prices for everyday goods.