SNP Leader's Message on the Occasion of the International Women's Day

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2011, I am pleased to express my solidarity with the cause of women’s emancipation and empowerment. I extend my sincere wishes to all women in Seychelles and particularly to those who are in the front line of the effort to improve the lives of families in Seychelles.

The aims associated with International Women’s Day are central to the overall goal of national development and progress. When we talk about matters that affect the lives of women and seek to improve them, we are also tackling the issues that matter most to Seychelles as a whole. These include improving salary and working conditions for women, alleviating the social ills and problems that affect our country today, and enabling women to become leaders in all areas of national affairs. I believe that whatever we achieve in relation to these causes will go directly to improving the conditions for families and therefore for children and for our future.

Many of these issues that we talk about in relation to women go back to fundamental human rights. When we strive to achieve them, we are going back to reaffirming the principles of our Constitution, which enshrine the spirit of our nation. So, it must also be our determination that these issues remain at the core of our work all through the year and not only on International Women’s Day. For that reason, any statement that we make for the occasion should remain as resolutions or commitments for the rest on the year, until we renew them on the next International Women’s Day. 

I would like to commend all those who are involved in the organisation of activities for International Women’s Day and those who will participate. It is an occasion when everyone can come together without regard to political, cultural or social differences. It will reflect a spirit of unity which we must promote so that we can come closer towards achieving the goal of one Seychelles in which every one of our citizens feels at home. 

Message from Opposition Leader Wavel Ramkalawan

On behalf of the Seychelles National Party, I express sincere best wishes to all women in Seychelles on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

This annual commemoration which falls on March 8 should only be a reminder of all that we owe to the women of our country as mothers, wives and workers. It is an occasion for us to recognise and honour the special contributions that women make in our society. I hope that on behalf of men in our country I can express our solidarity and support as well as our appreciation for these special contributions.

I hope that we will continue to see women play the strong role they have been playing in many fields such as education, health, social work and civic leadership.

The contribution of women will be the key to finding solutions to the problems that we face with increasing concern today such as drug abuse, crime, prostitution, and domestic violence. This is firstly because the solution to these problems rests primarily on the fields in which they are prominent, in particular on education, in both the home and in our schools.

But secondly, it is because the solution rests so much on strengthening the moral values of our society which I believe women care deeply about.

I lake the occasion to congratulate young women today, who together with many young men, have dedicated themselves to strengthening moral and family values. Building strong families is one of the important tasks on which our future as a country depends.

The Seychelles National Party will continue to be guided in its policies and programmes by the needs and aspirations of women because we know that achievements and progress that they make will contribute to a better future for all of us.

I hope that all men will on Monday March 8, make a special effort to express respect, courtesy, appreciation, solidarity and support to the women in their families, their colleagues and those they interact with in whatever way.