International Women's Day ‘Elderly women are the epitome of the values of long ago’ |09 March 2021

“The elderly women of our society are the epitome of the values of long ago and they deserve all the respect they can get,” Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs, Rose-Marie Hoareau, has said.

Minister Hoareau made the statement yesterday, shortly before presenting the elderly women living at the Foyer ‘Pere Maurice ROH’ based at the Foyer de la Providence (St Elizabeth Convent) with gifts as part of the activities to commemorate International Women’s Day.

The donation was a joint collaboration between the ministry, the Banyan Tree Seychelles and the Soroptimist International Club of Victoria.

The gifts, including toiletries and other personal stuff, have been donated by the Banyan Tree Seychelles, while the ministry and the Soroptimist International Club of Victoria chipped in, adding some more items to the bags.

Present at yesterday’s presentation were principal secretary for Local Government and Community Affairs Kevin Perrine, staff of the ministry, along with president of the Soroptimist International Club of Victoria, Maria Del Carmen and other club members.
Minister Hoareau noted that those elderly residents deserve a lot of respect and appreciation for paving the way for our, as well as future generations.

She explained that those women can surely help in spreading the culture of hard work and good moral values, as they have lived and gathered tonnes of experiences and wisdom.

The minister added that, other than a sign of respect, yesterday’s event was also an opportunity to thank them for whatever contributions they have brought to the country, and that even if it is their time to rest, they are not being forgotten.

She added that once the Covid-19 situation stabilises, the gifts will be distributed to elderly members of the different communities around the country.

“Today is just the beginning of the sharing of the gifts,” concluded the minister, who also thanked the nuns and carers for their hard work in keeping the residents happy and help them to maintain their dignity.

On behalf of the residents, Sister Tahitienne thanked the donors for the generosity which she said is very much appreciated and will surely make a great difference in the lives of the elderly women.

She also prayed for their continuous blessings so that they can continue to share with the community.

As for the Soroptimist International, it is a global volunteer movement that works together to transform the lives of women and girls.

Its network of around 72,000 club members in 121 countries works at a local, national and international level to educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls.

Its vision is to see women and girls achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide, while its mission is to transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.

Among its main principles are the advancement of the status of women, high ethical standards, human rights for all, equality, development and peace and the advancement of international understanding and goodwill.

The accompanying photographs show some highlights of the ceremony yesterday.

Roland Duval

Photos by Jude Morel