[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Violence against women is a rampant issue in Mauritius. Official data provided indicates that there were a total of 14,126 cases of violence against women reported in the year 2009. Among these figures include 745 cases of physical assault by a spouse or partner against women and 815 cases of verbal assault (ill-treatment, harassment, abuse, and humiliation) were reported in 2009 amongst other violent offences. It is also important to note that cases of sexual intercourse with a female under 16 were 109 and rape with 55 cases. This year (from January to March 2014), more than 6 women died from domestic violence
The aim of JCI City Plus is to bring attention to the need for all Mauritians to be concerned by the issue of women violence and be made aware of their duties towards both victims and perpetrators as well as to build a peaceful and safe society.
JCI City Plus is committed to keeping gender-based violence in the spotlight as a major health and human rights concern & to promote gender equality and women empowerment which is aligned with the United Nations Millenium Development Goals.
The project was launched on the 8th of March 2014 coinciding with the International Women’s day and involved an awareness session at L’Escalier village found in the southern part of the island. There were about 60 participants and JCI City Plus worked in collaboration of another NGO – Lion’s Club of Ebene for this particular awareness session.
The next phases of the project involves:
- Partnering with Men
- Empowering Women in Decision Making – The Future Leaders
- Youngsters as ambassadors of No more violence against Women
- Media Sensitization on ‘End Violence Agaisnt Women
- Professional counselling Sessions
