Conference on women wellbeing and personal welfare   |14 November 2023

Minister Zialor addressing the women

Praslin women empowered

It was a time-out from the normal daily routine last Friday for a group of women on Praslin, who were treated to a special empowerment and wellbeing session.  

Hosted by the Minister for Youth, Sports and Family, Marie-Celine Zialor, the first-ever session on ‘Wellbeing and personal welfare' took place at the Oasis Hotel and Restaurant, Grand Anse Praslin and brought together some 25 Praslinoise.

Speaking to the local media, Minister Zialor explained they took the conference to the second most-populated island to break away from the usual tradition of having such sessions on Mahé.

The programme is a follow-up to her weekly radio show about empowerment and wellbeing, which she said attracts a lot of listeners.

“Women face a lot of challenges daily. Time is one and lack of confidence and knowledge to make use of what they have for their wellbeing is another,” said Mrs Zialor, adding it was therefore paramount that they were met half-way.

“We need to remind people to make time for themselves, for their body, health, and general wellbeing. And it is important they get help to do that especially when they do not know how to do it,” she stated.

The ladies welcomed the session, with two of them, Verona  and Marie-Michelle Esparon stating it was much-needed, interesting and uplifting.

“You never cease to learn in life and as women we should be supporting and encouraging other women daily. So today I am learning from others while also sharing my experience,” said Verona, who claimed that women are faced with the daily life stress from raising a family, relationship, to work and money.

For Marie-Michelle the main challenge is a lack of self-confidence due to various social issues, which prevents women from having the willpower to grow and strive and pursue what they want in life.

“The session was interesting and it is highly important that we take those time outs to re-focus and gain the necessary support to be able to function daily,” she said.

Minister Zialor has commended the women for their active participation and keen interest and said based on their feedback, she will plan future ones.

Patsy Canaya

Photos contributed