The Australian High Commission partnered with Les Chefs du Coeur association on Thursday 23 November to host a White Ribbon Charity Dinner which raised over Rs400,000 for local NGO, Gender Links’ “Safe Haven Half Way Home” for young women who are victims of abuse.
The event attracted attendance by eminent guests, including the newly appointed Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, the Hon Roubina Jadoo-Jaunbocus, and the Mauritian and Australian business community. The event was the Australian High Commission’s flagship activity for the 2017 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women observed on 25 November. This kicks off 16 days of activism against gender based violence which ends on 10 December, marking International Human Rights Day.
A number of leading local businesses, artists, members of the business community and legal and judicial sectors including Women in Uniform supported the White Ribbon Charity Dinner and took the White Ribbon pledge to never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.
Commenting at the White Ribbon Charity Dinner, the Australian High Commissioner to Mauritius, HE Ms Jenny Dee said: “The Australian Government has a steadfast and ongoing commitment to ending violence against women and girls and supporting gender equality. Gender equality and women’s empowerment accounts for at least 80% of Australia’s overseas aid program.”
“Through the Australian Awards scholarship program, the Australian High Commission’s small grants community development program, and visits by Australian specialists - including Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls - we have been sharing our experiences and providing support and capacity building to Mauritian government officials, community groups, legal practitioners, front line police officers, business groups and women entrepreneurs to support gender equity, combat gender-based violence, and promote women’s economic empowerment.”
“I am pleased that the High Commission has received such strong support from our partner for this Charity Dinner, Les Chefs du Coeur, and the local corporate sector and local artists. It shows a real interest to work together to recognise the challenges and commit to prevent violence against women.”
24 November 2017