Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra: "Breaking the Cycle of Violence"

In an initiative led by Speaker Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, the Gender Caucus of Parliament is coordinating the "16 Days of Activism" campaign for the first time with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This participatory and unprecedented approach aims to raise awareness among the population.

This year, under your initiative, the Parliamentary Gender Caucus is coordinating the "16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence" campaign with the support of UNDP. Can you explain the scope of this collaboration and the main objectives aimed at preventing all forms of violence, particularly gender-based violence?This campaign is organized at the request of the UN Secretary-General's "UNiTE" initiative, which calls for international mobilization against this scourge that, unfortunately, is increasingly spreading worldwide. This is the first time that the National Assembly has mobilized, as many NGOs and the relevant ministry have been doing for a long time.

I have personally participated in several campaigns in Mauritius and abroad. However, we felt that the Parliamentary Gender Caucus needed to step out of its purely institutional work and be more dynamic, closer to the real needs of the people. At the same time, we wanted to innovate and conduct a campaign that is not solely based on words. We want to touch people's hearts and raise their awareness of all forms of violence that exist and are often unsuspected. This does not exclude round tables and debates, but this time we aimed for a happening.

With several recent cases of femicide in Mauritius, do you think this type of campaign can genuinely contribute to raising public awareness and preventing such tragedies?Is silence better? This scourge is difficult to combat. An awareness campaign is always necessary. Moreover, internationally, we are celebrating 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Global Action Plan this year. Since 1975, the UN has organized major global conferences, culminating in the 1995 Beijing Conference. The Mauritian government, regardless of the regime in place, has actively participated in these conferences and adopted the 1995 Declaration, as well as the international convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.

If it has taken this long, it is because the problem of sexism, which underlies this violence, is complex and profound, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. We must continually refine our awareness-raising efforts to reach as many people as possible. There is a separation of powers: it is the state's responsibility to take appropriate measures. However, we still want to present proposals to the various ministries. We are currently working on a pilot project, which is in the finalization phase, aimed at reaching students in schools. I will keep you updated on this.

Cyberbullying and online harassment have been identified as aggravating factors. How does Parliament plan to integrate these issues into this campaign?This year, the UN has focused on online harassment. I understand that the Ministry of Gender Equality is working closely with the Ministry of Information Technology on this theme. We will also address it in our way, using our own communication methods, including clips. We have seen such cases in the past, but today there is an increased risk we must all consider.

How can the campaign engage young people and raise their awareness of the dangers of cyberbullying and domestic violence to prevent tragic situations?In our program, one day will be dedicated to young people. It will be the closing day, December 10th, which is Human Rights Day. We have invited members of the National Youth Parliament to propose ideas. I am waiting for the details, but I can already say that there will be a sketch about school harassment and songs. The scope will be broader than just violence, and they will discuss, I hope, our motto of the 3 Rs, which they have already adopted: Rights, Respect, Responsibility. Thirty young people from the Indian Ocean will also be present to exchange with their peers. It seems evident to me that these young people are a crucial link in conveying messages within their communities. We will try to support them as much as possible. However, it is primarily the responsibility of the ministries in charge of Education, Youth and Sports, and Family Protection to act first. MPs can, for their part, raise issues and make suggestions.

Several amendments have already been made to the Protection from Domestic Violence Act of 1997. What additional legislative changes would you like to see to fill current gaps and better protect victims?As Speaker, I do not have the role of proposing legislation. However, the MPs from the Gender Caucus are already working on their suggestions. We particularly want to see a draft of the Domestic Abuse Bill. Each MP knows the reality experienced by their constituents.

You mentioned a few years ago the importance of systemic and transversal solutions beyond the legal framework. Can you provide concrete examples of community or institutional measures that Parliament wishes to promote?The law is essential for everyone to know what is permitted in a society like ours. However, it has its limits. Hence my commitment to multidisciplinary solutions, as all social sciences are involved: anthropology, sociology, ethnology, psychology, etc. Violence has existed since time immemorial. It is transgenerational. It is transmitted consciously or unconsciously within families. Every child who witnesses violence is affected and may either replicate the violence or adopt a victim's stance. Therefore, we must learn to break this vicious cycle and replace it with a virtuous one.

But who should do this?Everyone can contribute. That is indeed the goal of our happening, which aims to better equip citizens to understand their role in transmitting positive values within their families and society. They must also understand that they have a duty to act and report cases of violence they are aware of. Some family members turn a blind eye or remain silent. We have seen this in cases of pedophilia or incest trials. Even some institutions, and not the least, have long protected their members.

But today, as people are less silent, we have seen waves of trials in previously very closed environments. I am, of course, referring to the "Me Too" campaign and certain dignitaries from major religions who have decided to end impunity.

How can citizens fully benefit from your campaign?I hope that some will be touched by the artwork of our artists and their messages. Some speak about their experiences, which is poignant. There will be many ways to fully enjoy their visit to the Sir Harilal Vaghjee Hall during these 16 days. Everyone will be able to actively participate in the event. A special space will be set up for those who wish to confide, seek help, or advice. It will be managed by the Family Protection Brigade and the Gender Unit of the relevant ministry. A special corner will also be dedicated to children, with age-appropriate messages. Older children will have access to screens and VR headsets. Adults will be able to add their messages to a "Tree of Dignity" set up in the center of the hall. Those who wish to express themselves more extensively can do so in a more traditional manner.

You will close the campaign on December 10. Will that be the end?No, of course not. Our team is currently preparing an e-book that will be published online and accessible to a broader audience, including Rodrigues and abroad. Some projects will be extended into 2026, still in collaboration with UNDP and our other partners.

We will go beyond the campaign. The MPs from the Gender Caucus are excited about taking a more concrete role and being closer to the population. I want this momentum to continue and to grow. We must look to the future and make this first initiative a springboard for a more dynamic Parliament that is more in tune with today’s challenges.

Let us not forget that this is the house of the people. We want the people to come here, not only to visit the chamber, as is regularly done, but also to experience democracy in action.