US women’s league commemorates International Women’s Day |13 March 2023

• New chairpersons of district’s forum presented

The United Seychelles’ (US) women’s league commemorated the International Women’s Day with a women’s conference with the theme ‘Kominikasyon, Koneksyon, Komitman pour Laviktwar’ (Communication, Connection and Commitment for victory’).

During the conference, which was held on Saturday at the International Conference Centre (ICCS), the new chairpersons of the league at district level were presented and four resolutions were approved.

The new logo of the women’s forum was also launched during the event which was attended by the president of the US political party Dr Patrick Herminie; vice-president Dr Marvin Fanny; the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Sebastien Pillay; members of the National Assembly; committee members and attendees from all districts.

Through a video presentation, the league shared that since its formation, it has struggled to promote the rights and welfare of women and their development.

They also played a leading role in the struggle for independence, liberation, and better working conditions.

The US women’s league has been reorganised and the elected chairperson of the league is Marie Ange Denis. Each district representative was also presented to the delegates on Saturday and they are : Marie Claire Esparon (Anse Aux Pins); Jeannine Arrisol (Au Cap); Nadia Nicole (Anse Royale); Monica Samson (Anse Boileau); Monica Juliette (Anse Etoile); Renette Bacco (Bel Air); Marie-May Aveloc (Beau Vallon); Adele Aimable (Bel Ombre); Jeannine Confiance (Baie Lazare); Juliana Valentin (Baie Ste Anne Praslin); Marie-Claude Morel (Cascade); Molly Jean (English River); Margaret Maillet (Glacis); Priscilla Morphe (Grand Anse Mahé); Myra Adelaide (Grand Anse Praslin); Christine Mousbe (Les Mamelles); Jeva Kamasah (La Digue); Maryline Florentine (Mont Fleuri); Marie Ange Denis (Mont Buxton); Maureen Barbe (Plaisance); Flavie Cetoupe (Perseverance); Joanne Anacoura (Pointe Larue); Sharon Monty (Port Glaud); Nancy Albert (Roche Caiman); Marie May Jacques (St Louis); Anna Victor (Takamaka).

In her acceptance speech, Mrs Denis acknowledged the role of women in Seychelles and mainly in their political party. “Our theme chosen is crucial with the work we have to do every day – with our children, neighbours…let us communicate, let us be connected and let us be committed towards our party. Although we are using new technologies we have to also be in touch with other women.”

Since the reorganisation of the women’s league, they have been able to do regional conferences and the next one planned will be for Praslin and La Digue. They are already putting in place their action plan.

Four resolutions were voted by the assembly where they recognised the work done and accomplished by various leaders of the party for the emancipation of women in the country and leading them towards victory.

The women also pledged to give complete support towards the party and to the members of the National Assembly.

The leader of the Party, Dr Herminie, congratulated the women for organising such an event to celebrate women across Seychelles.

“Women are full of love and compassion and they remain the engine for change. In Seychelles, the most important event that happened in the 1970s and 1980s was women’s emancipation and for this we give credit to President Albert Rene. The principle of equality was brought in by him and women were always in the forefront and nowadays we see women in all sectors of the economy and in many organisations 75% of staff are women.”

“Without you women, we would have been in trouble and we count on your support to keep being connected with the community,” concluded Dr Herminie.

Various artists and individuals performed during the event with poems and songs on women.

Our selection of photos show some highlights of the conference.

Vidya Gappy

Photos: Louis Toussaint