The theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.”
The Constitution of Seychelles provides an excellent legal framework within which our other laws exist. It founds this country on respect for the equality and dignity of human beings, stating that ‘every person has a right to be treated with dignity worthy of a human being’.
Article 27 provides that every person has a right to equal protection of the law and a right to live without discrimination on any ground except as is necessary in a democratic society. Each woman in Seychelles has a right to healthcare, education, shelter and a safe environment. Working mothers are entitled to additional protections, including protection during maternity leave.
Our existing laws attempt to create an equal society and we will hopefully soon see some developments that will further protect the rights of women, including new additions to the Domestic Violence Bill; which is still awaiting discussion by the National Assembly. The Domestic Violence Bill will provide specific criminal offences for domestic violence in addition to the criminal offences in the Penal Code.
Currently, women form part of the majority of staff within the Judiciary, with up to 150 female staff across five different premises. There are also a female Justice on the Court of Appeal, female Judges at the Supreme Court, a female Master of Supreme Court, and a female Magistrate.
In honor of this day, the Judiciary of Seychelles organized an activity led by an ex Miss Seychelles contestant Line Kerry Dubignon who imparted knowledge to the female staff of the Judiciary about various codes of conduct, mannerisms for public service delivery, and protocols.
In addition, she shared some makeup and beauty tips for those who want to learn how to highlight their allure.
Cupcakes were also distributed to the Supreme Court, Magistrates Court, Tribunals, Anse Royale Court, and the Court on Praslin to highlight the Judiciary’s appreciation of their female staff. Female staff wore pink and floral attire to further celebrate.
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to mark and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and raise awareness about women’s equality, and accelerate gender parity. International Women’s Day was first celebrated in 1911.