Carole Grimaud - From Adversity to Action: The Inspiring Story of a Fighter

At just 29 years old, Carole Grimaud, spokesperson for the Bloom Again Collective, defines herself as an independent activist. Her challenging journey could have shattered the lives of others, but she has turned her experiences into fierce social commitment.

Her voice, filled with enthusiasm, captivates immediately. Carole speaks candidly about her life journey, like an open book, without bitterness and with great clarity. At 29, she embodies remarkable vitality, shaped by a path littered with challenges that might have broken others.

Carole openly discusses her humble beginnings, seeing them as a source of strength that explains why she now reaches out to women and children in need. "I grew up surrounded by two strong women: my mother, Liseby, and my grandmother, Suzanne, who passed away at 97 in 2022. And my little sister Kimberley. They taught me resilience, hard work, and humility," she shares with emotion.

Her childhood was not simple, but the connections she made transformed her path. "I come from a very modest background and have faced tough times, even as an adult, but I was fortunate to meet teachers and friends who extended their hands to me. Some supported me kindly since middle school, and others, met later in life, still help me to give my best today. I am so grateful to them," she recounts.

The Notre-Dame College in Curepipe was pivotal for her. Receiving social assistance, she found much more than academic support there.

"I was a social assistance recipient, but the teachers never made me feel different. They encouraged me, supported me, treated me like their own daughter. This gave me the strength to excel in my studies."

Learning Independence

At 14, Carole began working during school holidays and weekends: entertaining children, and from 17, she took on promotional jobs and small roles in events. "I needed some money for my needs, but also to help my family. Work taught me independence, respect for effort, and perseverance," she states.

After obtaining her Higher School Certificate, she dreamed of higher education. Financial means were lacking; university was expensive at that time. She applied for and received a social scholarship, beginning her studies at the University of Mauritius, where she earned a degree in Joint Humanities (French, English, literature, linguistics, history, and anthropology).

"The materials and books were costly, and I had to work part-time to fund my studies. I did it with determination, for myself first, but also for my family. I wanted to be financially independent and gain work experience because my grandmother and mother worked hard for us," she explains.

An internship in journalism changed her trajectory. After a successful internship, she was offered a full-time position. "I accepted immediately. It was the opportunity to do what I love: write," she smiles.

At this point, her already present social consciousness was further strengthened. "I was doing reports on shelters, working with the homeless, denouncing child abuse. I wanted to tell these human stories, to give a voice to those who are not heard. Writing became my tool for engagement. Through my investigations and fieldwork, I discovered harsh realities that intensified my desire to help others."

The Meeting of Art and Humanism

After five years in journalism, Carole changed her focus and joined the communication team of a hotel group. There, she met Jonathan Vellen and Hermione Larcher. Together, driven by the same passion for art and social engagement, they created Bloom Again, a collective that combines humanism, arts, and field actions. "I thank Jonathan and Hermione for their trust. They inspire me a lot."

In collaboration with Reckon Agency and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, they launched the national campaign "Fam, to pa zis enn viktim, to enn sanzman." Their goal: to provide visibility, support, and dignity to distressed women through music, featuring the song "Mo Silans, Mo Lakrwa" and video reports.

Carole defines herself as "an independent activist who highlights others." She produces documentary reports to showcase the journeys of women who have broken the cycle of violence. "It was essential to give them a voice to inspire other women. Too often, a partner's manipulation leads a woman to believe she cannot succeed on her own. The experiences of those who have succeeded prove otherwise. Women are strong."

As a spokesperson, behind the camera, in listening, supporting, and creating connections, Carole practices a commitment rooted in reality, fueled by empathy and conviction. She is also pleased to have collaborated with other young people: "For the reports, we were four youths on the ground: Alexandre, Anthony, and Courtney from Reckon Agency, professionals driven by the same passion and empathy, and I am so proud to be close to them. In the Bloom Again choir, there are also many engaged young people, like Jonathan's children, who use their art for social purposes."

What makes Carole Grimaud unique is that her journey, filled with challenges, has matured her, toughened her, and given her the spirit of a fighter. She fights without ever giving up. She falls but does not surrender. For her, life is a gift she has shaped in her own way, with determination, where many would have thrown in the towel. She repays, in her own way, everything life has given her.

The Overlooked Reality of Financial Violence

For Carole Grimaud, all forms of violence deserve exposure, including those often kept silent: financial violence. "Today, it's not just the man who prevents his partner from working. With the scourge of drugs, some women are stripped of their salaries by their partners. When they refuse or can no longer pay, they are abused," she recounts, her voice both firm and determined. This reality is still too neglected by the police and authorities, she insists: "It is time these situations are taken seriously."

Nevertheless, Carole remains optimistic and attentive to legislative progress. "Soon, amendments to the Domestic Violence Act will come about, and mandatory training will be established for rehabilitating violent men who have violated protection orders. It’s a step forward," she emphasizes.