In his address on the occasion of the International Women's Day 2009 at Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre where he was the Chief Guest, the Prime Minister said that an important part of the economic and social progress of Mauritius bears the contribution of women.

Today, women should be conscious of the fact that they have every chance to apply for any job even the post of the Prime Minister, provided that they are given the proper training and make the required efforts, he pointed out.

On the economic front, the Prime Minister said that reforms have been undertaken so as to make the Mauritian economy more resilient and called for more efforts from the population so as to achieve further economic growth.  On that score, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of networking and economic diplomacy and cited the example of the People’s Republic of China’s recent financial aid of Rs. 8.9 billion granted to Mauritius.

“My government will do everything so as to minimise the impact of the world recession, therefore, one and all should be united so that we work together to overcome all obstacles”, Dr. Ramgoolam said.  He stressed the need for an evaluation on how the world recession will evolve adding that prompt action is essential.

The Minister of Women's Rights, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mrs. Indranee Seebun, said that 8 March is a special and important date in the Mauritian calendar because it calls upon the individual, women themselves, men, society at large and the State to reflect on the status of women.  The economic empowerment of women stands high on the agenda of the government she said and added that all necessary structures are being put in place.

In a message read by the UN Resident Representative, Mr. Claudio Caldarone, the United Nations Secretary General called for an end of violence that mars lives, destroys health, perpetuates poverty and prevents the achievement of women's equality and empowerment.

 “We must work together to state loud and clear, at the highest level, that violence against women will not be tolerated, in any form, in any context, in any circumstance”, said Mr. Ban Ki-Moon.