Gender Equality: Progress and prospects for women in the Mauritius workforce

Aside from being a tropical paradise, Mauritius is also making significant strides in the realm of gender equality in its labor market. As part of a global movement towards inclusion, the Mauritian government is actively implementing measures to foster equal opportunities and career growth for women. In this article, we delve into the progress achieved, the persistent obstacles and the prospects for improvement to ensure a more inclusive society and greater economic contribution from women.

Female working population in Mauritius: A look at the data

C&S Secretarial Services analyze data from statistics regularly compiled by Statistics Mauritius. The goal being to provide you with an overview of the evolving participation of women in the Mauritian labor market over the years.

In March 2023, the female labor force in Mauritius had reached 245,300, indicating an increase from the December 2022 figure, 225,900. These statistics are updated quarterly and have shown over the period of March 2004 to March 2023, that on average 219,700 women were actively participating in the Mauritian workforce, based on 77 recorded observations.

The highest point in this statistical data was reached in March 2023, with 245,300 individuals, while the lowest point dates back to December 2004, when it stood at 174,600 individuals.

Government measures to promote equal opportunities

Recognizing the substantial economic contribution of women, the government has recently taken tangible measures, aimed at promoting equal opportunities and career advancement for women. This year’s budget was a clear example of this commitment. This new direction reflects the desire to nurture a more inclusive society and to position women at the forefront of the country’s economic development.

Socio-economic challenges hindering women’s integration

An expert in the field sheds light on the challenges women encounter, especially when it comes to unemployment. She stressed the need to understand and overcome the structural barriers that impede women’s career prospects while highlighting the utmost importance of implementing tangible policies and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and creating an environment conducive to the professional fulfillment of women in Mauritius.

What stands between women and managerial positions?

When it comes to women in senior positions, particularly at the board level, experts suggest that the situation differs, as women in board positions are often more experienced and less affected by the challenges of childcare. The critical concern lies in the circumstances of women in middle management roles, especially those with young children. Maintaining a balanced representation of women on boards remains paramount, not only to bolster corporate governance but also to address these broader issues.

Introduction of quotas at board level

The introduction of gender quotas on boards represents a crucial and long-awaited step forward. Research indicates that having a minimum of three women on boards is instrumental in fostering diversity and fueling innovation. This initiative should also serve as a safeguard against corruption within companies. It is imperative to promote a broader spectrum of backgrounds and to raise awareness about the many benefits of this approach.

Reducing the pay gap and looking to the future

On a broader scale, it is imperative to introduce social measures that actively promote gender equality. Factors such as workplace flexibility, financial assistance for home ownership, a guaranteed minimum income, as well as other initiatives, can significantly contribute to women thriving professionally. Retaining local talent is also pivotal to ensuring a sustainable economic future.

Conclusion

Mauritius is making progress towards greater gender equality within its labor market, driven by proactive government measures and expanding awareness. Nevertheless, there are challenges that are yet to be tackled, particularly when it comes to ensuring the representation of women in management positions. The introduction of quotas on boards of directors is a positive step forward, but there is still room for progress in fostering diversity and raising awareness of this issue.

In a nutshell, championing diversity and inclusion stands to benefit the Mauritian economy as a whole, by stimulating innovation and improving overall business performance.