The rapid shifts have been catalysed by the frames of reference provided by the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BDPFA ) and the 1997 SADC Declaration on Gender and Development.

Nearly all SADC Member States now have national machineries responsible for gender, and gender focal points within various ministries with a mandate to strengthen mechanism to promote the advancement of women. [read more]

A NEW government emerged from parliamentary elections held in Mauritius in July, which were won by the Social Alliance comprising the Mauritius Labour Party and the Mauritian Social Democratic Party.

The alliance won 38 seats in the 70-seat unicameral parliament, enabling the former opposition parties to form the island’s new government led by veteran politician, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, the son of the first prime minister of Mauritius, Sewoosagur Ramgoolam.

The SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM), headed by the South African ambassador to Mauritius, Ajay Bramdeo, declared the elections free and fair, saying the poll will contribute " to the consolidation of democracy and continue in the path of development not only in Mauritius but also in the region.” [read more]