Mr. President, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

The equality of men and women in Seychelles has received the attention of the government from the time that the Republic was established. Seychellois women have always been recognised as essential partners in the development of the country.

In addressing gender-related matters, Seychelles took a somewhat different approach from most countries by adopting a mainstreamed approach to gender. More than a decade a National Gender Steering Committee, composed of individuals from Government, the private sector and NGOs, was established to promote and maintain gender equality and equity. Male representation on the committee provided a collaborative atmosphere, and ensured that the needs of both males and females were taken into consideration in the design of national development programmes.

Seychelles' constitutional charter of fundamental human rights and freedom applies to all citizens irrespective of gender. There are however, specific regulations within the legislative framework that protect the civil and human rights of women. Some of these are:

• the right to pass on their nationality to their children born in Seychelles even if the husband is a foreigner.

• the right to own property and to inherit

• the right to claim alimony from a defaulting partner - married or common-law

In dealing with women and poverty, the Government of Seychelles recognised the role of a good education in empowering men and women towards achieving a reasonable standard of living. A policy of ten years compulsory and free education ensures that all boys and girls have the same access to education and career opportunities. School enrolment for children which presently stands at 100% has guaranteed that all girls are given the essential foundation for making important life choices. Last year 46°/a of overseas scholarships for professional training went to women.

With the understanding that human resource is the main wealth of the country, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Manpower Development and the Ministry of Education, work towards removing stereotype through education, sensitisation and career counseling for young people.

Teaching materials have been investigated to remove stereotype and teachers have been systematically put though gender sensitization programmes.

Conscious of the importance of the health of the citizens and the impact of healthcare costs on the economy, the government has taken steps to offer health care services which are free at the point of service. Maternity health care is provided in all districts and indicators show that prenatal care coverage is 98%.

Mr. President,

Women also play a crucial role in national decision making. Seychellois women were fully involved in the struggle for independence and are still politically active. 21% of the elected and nominated members of the National Assembly and 25% of the Cabinet of Ministers are women.

Recent survey figures show that, at grassroots level women are actually more active than men. 60% of Local Government Councilors are women.

Mr. President,

We are presently giving much attention to the issue of domestic violence and violence against women. Concerted efforts in public sensitisation and education have been most effective in replacing the tolerant and passive attitude, with condemnation and a determination to break the recurring cycle. The National Family Tribunal which was set up two years ago is considered an important step in dealing with domestic violence and the rights of women and children.

Laws and policies have contributed towards the advancement of women in Seychelles. However, stereotyping still exists, most women are still found in lower-paid jobs; women still represent the majority of victims in domestic abuse.

These problems we believe, can be traced to inherited and accepted cultural patterns of behaviour which are often referred to as 'norms' even though they are, if viewed objectively, abnormal: patterns which are known to be resistant to change since they are often imbedded deep in the human psyche. Changing them will require time and continued as well as persistent effort.

(It seems appropriate here to insert a few questions about the role of males in all this: what of their needs in this world of re-defined gender roles? What should be done to prepare them to be supportive and receptive - not just benignly accepting and tolerant?)

In conclusion, we note that it is imperative to establish an environment that promotes the self-esteem, confidence and independence of the female half of the population. Fundamental to this are: a legal framework which protects the human rights of all individuals equally, an educational system which contributes to the emancipation of all capable individuals. We believe that gender should not be treated as a separate national issue, but that it should be integrated in the whole system. It is only then that women can overcome the handicaps imposed by centuries of unequal treatment and boldly fulfill their human potential.

I thank you.