Africa-Press – Mauritius. A nationwide awareness and media campaign titled “Fam kon to droit online” – Women, Know Your Rights Online, an initiative of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation and the Mauritius Police Force (MPF), will mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, celebrated annually on 25 November.
The campaign, starting from 25 November 2025 and running till 10 December 2025, was unveiled by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, at a joint press conference with the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr Avinash Ramtohul, today in Port-Louis. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Rampersad Sooroojebally; the Ombudsperson for Children, Mrs Aneeta Ghoorah; and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh, were also present.
A key highlight of the campaign is the launch of an educational video clip explaining common forms of online abuse, offering practical safety tips and outlining legal protections available under Mauritian law.
In light of the growing number of cybercrimes targeting women and girls, Minister Navarre-Marie pointed out that coordinated action is essential. She highlighted several ongoing measures, namely the introduction of “Packages Jeunesse”, a new parental-control tool to help protect young people online. Other efforts include strengthened legislation, enhanced training programmes, the coming into operation of hotline 139, and expanded counselling services. “Digital violence is evolving rapidly and we need the commitment of digital platforms, telecommunications operators, schools, parents, and the community to win this battle,” she said.
According to Minister Ramtohul some 1114 reported cases of online harassment have been recorded from January to 5 November 2025. He urged victims to report any case of abuse so that the authorities can trace and hold the perpetrators accountable. He indicated that Government is revising existing laws so as to strengthen online protections and safeguard the rights of all citizens, especially young people. The campaign, said Dr Ramhotul, is meant to educate women, girls and youth of their rights and the actions they can take when facing abuse.
The Police Commissioner recalled that the campaign is a call for collective action to combat online violence against women and girls. He noted that the MPF has shifted towards a more gender-responsive and gender-sensitive approach, and reaffirmed the commitment to working with partners to ensure a safer digital environment.
As for the Ombudsperson for Children, she reiterated her office’s pledge to defending the rights and welfare of children, particularly girls, online. She underlined the crucial role of families, educators and parents in guiding and protecting children’s online activities, and stressing the prerequisite of teaching young people about the potential dangers of the internet.
Through the campaign the UN wants to reach out to all women and girls who are suffering in silence, ensuring they are aware of available help and protection, said Mrs Singh while reiterating UN’s support to Mauritius in addressing cyber threats and gender-based violence.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
