1. THE SADC GENDER PROTOCOL SUMMIT 2014 CEO - Educating People For Their Wellness Mrs J. SOOPAL – Chief Welfare Officer Municipal Council of Beau Bassin Rose Hill Republic of Mauritius 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

2. SYNOPSIS The most important function of the Council is to offer services that demands proximity with the citizens. This is one of the very raison-d’être of local authorities. The Municipal Council of Beau Bassin Rose Hill spend about 31% of its budget i.e. an amount of about Rs 69 millions yearly on providing an array of services to residents of the township.

3. SYNOPSIS This year the Council has earmarked an amount of Rs 850,000/= for physical sessions such as yoga, aerobics, tai chi and wellness/karate compared to Rs 350,000/= last year – an increase of 140%.

4. OBJECTIVES Meet the objectives set to empower women in all spheres of life to bring them to the forefront as they are the pivot of the family where basic education really starts for every individual. 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

5. BACKGROUND 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA Organisations were operating in solo until they were regrouped under a Federation – UFVS now benefitting financial assistance and advice from qualified staff.

6. KEY ACTIVITIES Here are the activities provided by this Council with regards to the wellness of its citizens through the targeted women of the township and its affiliated Federation of 20 Women Associations: Education Physical development Social development in addition to many other activities provided by this Council. 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

7. RESOURCE ALLOCATIONS 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA Amount local currency (specify) Amount in Rand Gender specific allocation Rs 125,000/- Gender in mainstream projects (Free of charge sessions of Physical Activities in favour of women – the pillar in families to reach the community) Rs 850,000/- TOTAL Rs 975,000/-

8. CHALLENGES We still have to work towards changing the mindset and build confidence in both men and women also the sharing of culture enhancing team spirit so as to promote more participation 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

9. RESULTS The availability of a new Wedding Hall at a low price – here the woman who has the responsibility of setting up and bearing of expenses of the wedding, will get some relief. 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

10. RESULTS Jobless women, house-wives, job-seekers among others are benefitting from the physical trainings provided by the Council’s coaches.

11. RESULTS Women as well as men are also benefitting from educational trainings under the Adult Literacy Programme. Some of them who were generally shy, were willing to voice out their feelings and grievances.

12. RESULTS Women were more motivated towards bringing a positive change in their lives.

13. Children at the Municipal Pre-Primary School Toddlers (3 months – 3 years) at our Day Care Centre at Chebel

14. RESULTS Women realised that physical activities promote healthier state of mind and a woman being at the pivot of the family, now she is better armed to tackle her everyday chores; moreover she will be the one to inform, communicate and educate the members of her family and her friends and relatives.

15. RESULTS Sewing classes have been reintroduced Weekly physical sessions increased from 12 to 42 this year Accessibility to women grouped under associations as well to municipal hall for the holding of their meetings, activities, etc. Extension of opening hours of municipal hall in the evening - from 7 pm to 8.30 pm.

16. LESSON LEARNED AND INNOVATION A great help towards more involvement with NGO’s in the system so as to get rid of problematic situations of women. Here Rainwater Harvesting 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

17. More talents have been discovered in various fields at national and international level Laureates at secondary levels Champions in the fields of sports activities LESSON LEARNED AND INNOVATION

18. LEARNING AND SHARING WITH OTHER COUNCILS This year the Council has the Chairmanship of the Association of Urban Authorities under which all 5 Municipal Councils are grouped and thus activities are organised and citizens from all 5 councils are regrouped. 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

19. MEN FOR CHANGE Our male Councillors and Staff are fully engaged in promoting gender equality and participation of both sexes in all activities

20. SUSTAINABILITY AND REPLICATION The Mayor of this Council as Chairman of the Association of Urban Authorities, convene all 4 other Mayors for regular meetings during this calendar year 2014. A calendar of activities have been set up for this year where all 5 Councils citizens join in sports and social activities. 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

21. KEY PRIORITIES FOR 2014 The setting up of an Information Desk / SMEDA Counter / Other agencies at the seat of the Council for information purposes with regards to mainly women who are wishing to set up a small business enterprise. The setting up of a second Day Care Centre in Barkly to enable more women to have a place to leave their toddlers (3 months to 3 years) and thus be able to benefit from the facilities this Council has already made available for women from any background. 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA