Republic of Mauritius- Participants in training programme on ‘Women Empowerment on Boards’ receive certificates

The award ceremony was held on 26 June 2020, in presence of the Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Mr. Mahen Kumar Seeruttun, at the Financial Services Institute (FSI), in Ebène.

The training programme aimed at upskilling and motivating the participants to bring more meaningful debate and decision-making to those Boards on which they serve. 

In his address, the Minister underlined that it is crucial to have the equal role of women in the social and economic development of the country and this, he said, cannot be achieved only with token numbers. As regards the public sector, much effort is invested to ensure that there is diversity at the helm of ministries, he added.

According to him, more women should be conferred leadership positions, as they are competent to take on these responsibilities and can bring meaningful contribution in the workplace.  He dwelt on the benefits of having women on Boards, namely to strengthen financial performance, for better decision–making, enhanced consumer insights and improved corporate governance.

Mr. Mahen Kumar Seeruttun recalled that Government has elaborated an arsenal of measures designed to improve diversity in the recruitment, development and retention of talent particularly in the Boardroom.

He observed that under–representation of women on Boards is still a sore reality, hence the need to put in more effort to bridge this gap.  This mission, he added, needs constant nourishing and multi-stakeholder engagement. 

Moreover, the Minister encouraged the participants to feel empowered and to champion the changes that they would like to see for the upcoming generation.  Women, he said, are leaders of the society, wherein they play the key role of bringing together the community.