The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) of the National Assembly held a two-day workshop in collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and funded by the European Union (EU), on Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV), at the Savoy Hotel on the 10 and 11th March 2022. The workshop regrouped various stakeholders, for example the Attorney General’s office, The Gender Secretariat, The Police Force, Social Services, Prison and Probation Services with an aim to review the GBV related legislation governing the entities as well as sensitise and build the Members’ capacity on gender inequality and gender bias. Wholly, the workshop was aimed at Improving National Coordination of Legislative and Procedural Response to SGBV in Seychelles.
When officially launching the workshop, the President of the Republic of Seychelles, H.E President Wavel Ramkalawan made a keynote speech and commended all participants for their collective commitments in eliminating SGBV in Seychelles. President Ramkalawan also highlighted the work that the National Assembly is doing with regards to the laws that they have passed in improving human rights and eliminating Gender based Violence in Seychelles, most notably the Domestic Violence Act, 2020.
The Chairperson of the WPC, Hon. Regina Esparon, made a speech to introduce the workshop starting off by admitting that SGBV in the Seychelles is on the increase. In her engaging speech, Hon. Esparon stated that ‘these 2 days are aimed at updating the Members of Parliament on the situation of SGBV in the country, discussing the national legislative and policy framework, enabling or creating barriers against violence, identifying gaps, for fulfilment of the human rights of all persons experiencing SGBV, especially women and girls.’ Hon. Esparon also highlighted the rise in cyber bullying and violence against women, teenagers and children and the need for the Members to familiarize themselves with the legislative gaps and issues that will be brought forward by the stakeholders in attendance.
The speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne, had the opportunity to make a presentation about the role of the National Assembly in ending Gender Based Violence. Speaker Mancienne, outlined the legislative function of the Parliament with regards to the process of amending and passing laws in their support to help eliminate SGBV. Hon. Mancienne pointed out that he personally feels that there is a need to have a driving force in ensuring the recommendations stated by each entity are well implemented to its effectiveness. Furthermore, Speaker Mancienne highlighted the influence and power of the National Assembly in the fight against ending SGBV.
During The two days, all stakeholders had the opportunity to present an overview of their work and their mandate towards ending Gender Based Violence in Seychelles. There were discussions and recommendations by the participants and different panels in line with solutions and bettering the services that each stakeholder offered. The participants had the opportunity to make recommendations, ask questions and get clarifications on the role and mandate of each stakeholder.
Many points were raised amongst the panelist and the participants on the bureaucratic issues faced by victims of SGBV when seeking help and solutions amongst other defiances. There was also the point of a lack of data and registry to provide good and accurate statistics for reference when drafting solutions for SGBV.
To conclude the Workshop, participants had the opportunity to discuss the types and merits of motions and amendments of laws on SGBV needed to be brought forward by the National Assembly. All stakeholders agreed that the workshop was an eye opener to the situation of SGBV in the country. The Members of the National Assembly had a better knowledge of the legal framework, policies and status of SGBV. All participants agreed that there was a need for all entities concerned to work collectively and efficiently to come up with effective ways to end Gender Based Violence.
In her closing remarks, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mrs. Tania Isaac congratulated the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus in successfully hosting this workshop. The Clerk outlined the objectives and the aim of the workshops and stressed on the need for good implementation of the outcome of all the recommendations brought forward. Furthermore, the Clerk expressed her contentment towards the involvement of each participant and concluded that she is confident that this workshop will be a milestone in the right directionin the battle against GBV.
On behalf of the SADC delegation, Ms. Jacinta Hofnie thanked the National Assembly in regrouping all stakeholders together to address the issues of SGBV. Ms. Hofnie pointed out that all the discussion and the recommendation will go towards the innovative ways of finding new avenues to fight SGBV. On delivering her vote of thanks, Hon. Audrey Vidot, the Vice-Chairperson thanked the SADC delegation for their support in organising this workshop.
