Following a survey undertaken in several regions of the south that highlighted the multiple barriers women faced to reach their highest potential, four CBO namely: Groupement Social de Souillac, Women Association Camp Charlot, Women Force Association and Savanne Women Sports Association, gave life to a pilot project for 35 women.

The project entitled “Accompanying women from the south towards socio-economic independence” focused on 3 aspects: awareness on rights, development of entrepreneurial skills and enhancement of self-awareness.    

For the CBO and their leaders, the project was their first experience of working collaboratively on a common project.  That was also their very first experience in project management but the successful completion of the project, the low drop out rate and the positive feedback from the 40 beneficiaries make them feel so proud.  The success of this pilot project lies in the relevance of proposed programmes to the needs of the beneficiaries, the quality of the contents and the practicability of the tools delivered.  In addition to that, the 4 women developed a simple, yet effective assignment of tasks that ensured the smooth running of the programmes.

The programmes proposed:

• Gender Links

Gender Links’ innovative program empowers women economically by providing tools for financial independence and entrepreneurial skill development. Through practical workshops, participants learn business creation, financial management, marketing, and digital tools to boost online visibility. The program raises awareness of women's economic rights, helping them navigate legal and financial landscapes. A network of women leaders mentors and inspires, fostering self-confidence, breaking cycles of dependence, reducing gender inequalities, and promoting sustainable development, actively encouraging women to launch ventures and spark lasting change.

• DIS-MOI

DIS-MOI sessions promoted economic empowerment to combat violence and discrimination, emphasizing financial independence as essential protection against domestic abuse. Participants studied Mauritius’s legal framework on gender equality, gaining awareness of rights under national laws, the Constitution, and CEDAW. Interactive discussions and quizzes further deepened their understanding, while small groups analyzed scenarios involving workplace harassment, domestic abuse, and political under-representation, proposing practical solutions. A concluding activity inspired personal commitments to change, symbolized by an “Engagement Tree,” nurturing confidence and collective transformation.

• Empower Your-Self

The final stage of this project strengthened women's empowerment through Empower Your Self, led by Corinne Camille and Karine Dorasamy. This transformative programme fosters self-discovery, confidence, and healing using art therapy, meditation, and creative expression. Participants explore painting, mandala creation, and body movement in personalized 2.5-hour sessions, connecting deeply with their emotions. By transforming feelings into artistic energy, they gain self-awareness and clarity. More than an art workshop, it’s a journey of growth, equipping individuals with lasting tools for personal transformation.

Participants’ experience:

“I liked the approach of the trainers who took into consideration our life experiences. Today I am aware that I exist as a human being, that I am unique and have rights such as having an identity, having a roof, respect and others.  It is also necessary to voice out how one feels and that it is not normal to remain in an unhealthy situation, e.g. to silently endure different forms of violence..."

“I liked that I discovered myself, the group discussions we had and how amazing women we all are!!  

“At the beginning I was a bit reluctant to come to another boring training however, the sessions offered me a safe space where I could open up about what I was going through.  That set me free and helped me to gather my strength and deal with my problems head up.  Thanks to these trainings, I have learnt to love myself, to tell myself that I can, and I will succeed!”