GIS – 28 March 2025: The Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr Avinash Ramtohul renewed yesterday the commitment to maintain equity in participation and opportunities in the ICT industry, was renewed yesterday.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of a Roundtable discussion jointly organised by his Ministry, and the University of Mauritius in collaboration with the United Nations Country Team for Mauritius, in Réduit. The Roundtable discussion, which was held in the context of the International Women’s Day 2025, revolved around the theme ‘The future of gender equality for women in digitalisation/ICT sector in Mauritius’.
The Minister observed that gender parity and imbalance differ according to organisations, reassuring that his Ministry stands guided by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare as regards the introduction of policies promoting gender balance in the local ICT sector.
“Gender equality must be at the forefront of digital transformation, and that ICT should be adopted in an equitable manner. By empowering women in the governance of digital and technology policies, we can ensure a more equitable society”, he said.
On that score, the Minister listed out key actions to be taken, namely; creating more inclusive educational pathways to ICT and accelerating policies, providing funding schemes for women entrepreneurs in ICT and catering for more incubators and mentoring facilities.
Also present for the occasion, Junior Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Ms Anishta Babooram, dwelt on the significance of the International Women’s Day 2025, which symbolises coordinated efforts to celebrate not only women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women’s rights but also sustained commitment, and drive for change, social justice and gender equality.
She spoke of the Ministry’s responsibilities in working to permeate gender in all sectors, and on that score guidance and support are being provided to the Information Technology Ministry to have its own Gender Cell, Gender Sectoral Policy, and Action Plan based on the National Gender Policy.
“We are also ensuring close monitoring of gender responsive actions through a National Gender Monitoring Mechanism wherein the gender focal point of the ICT Ministry is represented and making sure gender is trickled down to all its projects and programmes in an equitable manner thereby reaching out to all girls and women”, she said.
For her part the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh, stressed that in the current complex world where technology is pervading, the acquisition of IT skills and competencies is crucial. Lauding initiatives such as the roundtable discussion, she remarked that such events contribute to put women at the centre, paving the way for more integration, empowerment and resilience.
“Our five year-plan puts digitalisation as a key driver for socio-economic transformation, and innovation, science and technology as accelerators to achieving our goals”, she added.
She remained hopeful that the roundtable discussion will facilitate the implementation of concrete actions aligned with Government’s vision.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov
