Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel and Hon. Doyace Porice Attend the ‘Redynamisation De La Plateforme Des Femmes En Politique De L’Ocean Indien’

Various representatives of organizations promoting women’s participation in public and political life in the Indian Ocean gathered in Moroni, Comoros to participate in a seminar from the 24th to the 25th January 2023. In attendance was Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel and Hon. Doyace Porice.

 

 

The two-day seminar was initiated by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), and forms part of the vision held by the Union of the Comoros, to “place Women and Youth at the heart of its political and social governance”. The opening speech was given by Mr. Imam Abdillah, Director General of International Cooperation and Chairman of the Committee of Permanent Liaison Officer to the IOC. He stated that this major regional event was one that the Union of Comoros was proud to organize and that it was a great opportunity for all the women of the region to contribute their experiences and make clear their expectations for the future.

 

 

Hon. Lemiel commented that while it was refreshing to see active platforms in Madagascar and the Union of Comoros, there needs to be a revitalization of the platforms in Seychelles, Mauritius and La Reunion in order to fully promote and strengthen the possibilities for women-led leadership. During the seminar Hon. Lemiel spoke about the need to “empower our women and our young girls”, the importance of education, and emphasized the need to encourage political participation and engagement.

 

 

A large focus of the seminar was on the creation and sustainability of an environment that promotes better and active participation of women in political organizations and in regional cooperation. The IOC recalled the commitments made in the past to achieve gender equality and the commitment to promoting women’s rights in politics and their rights as institutional members capable of playing a decisive role in political life.

 

Hon. Porice noted that she appreciated the seminar as it gave her a better understanding of what changes need to be made in Seychelles today. Sharing similar views with Hon. Lemiel, she commented that she is ready to mobilize young girls and women to join the active political organizations within Seychelles.