Veena Ramgoolam is the star attraction on Women’s Day
International Women’s Day, celebrated around the world and here in Mauritius yesterday, brought its fair share of surprises and news.
For once, the surprise came neither from the Prime Minister, Dr Navin Ramgoolam, nor the Minister for Women’s Rights, Mrs Indranee Seebun.
The star of the day was none other than Mrs. Veena Ramgoolam, the very discreet wife of the prime minister, at the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre (SVICC) in Pailles.
For some cherished seconds she was, with some of her most fervent fans – several young girls from a shelter for women in distress – at the centre of attention.
After taking part in a dance sequence on stage, the girls very boldly went to her, hugged and kissed her.
Mrs Ramgoolam, we later learned, is a regular visitor to the shelter and knows each and every one of the girls well.
“She does not like to advertise her commitment. She is a very discreet woman,” confided a regular visitor at the centre.
Whenever she does visit the shelter, though, she mingles with all the girls, chats with them and shares their joys and sorrows.
Government to build special hospital for women says Dr Ramgoolam
Yesterday, her secret was out – to her husband, the prime minister, and all those present at Pailles. This brief, but nonetheless very emotional interlude was enough for the hundreds of women who could not find a seat to forget all their tiredness and frustration.
Thousands of women thronged to the SVICC yesterday morning to attend the official celebration of Women’s International Day. They came mostly from some 1,200 women’s centres islandwide and many left their homes at 6.30am to be on time.
Speaking to the assembled women, Dr Ramgoolam told them that although he was not for a quota system to ensure the election of more women to parliament, he thought it could be a means to encourage them to be more present in the political arena.
“I personally do not believe in the quota system. However, if it can help solve the numeric problem of women in parliament, then it can be discussed.”
The prime minister believed that more women should be encouraged to join politics, but they face a major problem. “Women who want to enter politics are subjected to too much mudslinging and character assassination. My appeal to political agents and to the media is to respect women and their private lives.”
He said his earnest wish is to see more women in the next general elections. “I must admit that women have a distinct way of conducting themselves in parliament. The debates are of a better level. They are more polite and they tend to command respect. All the MPs listen to them,” said a smiling Dr Ramgoolam.
Women, he added, are of course the pillar in the home. “There is another kind of serenity and peace when a woman is in a house. She can be a mother, a wife, a sister or a daughter. I want to do something for all the women in Mauritius. I want to help them take care of their health. A healthy mother will bring up healthy children and healthy families.”
The prime minister announced that the government will build a dedicated hospital specialised in women’s diseases. “We will consider adding a wing for children. I am not too sure at this stage. This dedicated hospital will help save many lives that otherwise are wasted.”
He said that there are so many cancers plaguing women, breast and cervix cancers being among them. “Because of shame and other related taboos, some women refuse to go to the hospital.”
The prime minister added that he wants to introduce more legislation that will improve the life and conditions of women in Mauritius.
“I will not stop in my way to respond to the queries and aspirations of the Mauritian woman.” Dr Ramgoolam appealed to all those present to fully participate in all activities and initiatives that are set up for them.
“Whether you are in the public service, in the judiciary, in the private sector or even at the lower rung of the ladder, you have to move forward. My government will give you all the support that you need. You just have to request help, and we’ll live up to your expectations.”
Earlier, the Minister for Women’s Rights, Mrs Indranee Seeburn, spelled out the measures taken by her ministry for women’s empowerment.
“Nothing comes to you on a silver plate. You have to make a place for yourself in the sun. You have to fend for yourselves. You have to be assertive. And most of all you have to believe in yourselves.”
She told all the women gathered there that charity begins at home. “You have to help yourself first, then expect help from us. The first step is your responsibility. We are here to give back-up and support.”
The UN resident representative, Mrs Leyla Tegmo- Reddy, emphasised the situation of women worldwide and in Mauritius and called for a more critical analysis of statistics relating to women in the world.
Yesterday’s event also saw several women and associations being rewarded for the good job done during the past months.
Indeed she is a special lady. Very charming. I am very proud that she is really working very hard n she will always be rewarded. Once again big cheers to Veena n God bless her n her hubby..xxxxxxx