The Australian High Commission and NGO Passerelle Launch Podcast Series on Positive Masculinity and Combating Gender-Based Violence

The Australian High Commission is excited to collaborate with the NGO Passerelle for the launch of the final element of its Green Flag Project—a podcast series that advocates for positive masculinity and invites men to engage in meaningful discussions about gender-based violence (GBV). Funded through Australia’s Direct Aid Program (DAP), the Green Flag Project seeks to change the conversation by highlighting the essential role men play in preventing and addressing GBV.

To recap, the Green Flag Project (TGFP) is a national initiative launched in 2025 aimed at promoting healthier gender roles and a more affirmative model of masculinity—an innovative approach to combat gender-based violence in Mauritius. Central to this initiative is the belief that real social progress can only occur if we fundamentally reevaluate how gender roles are constructed. The Green Flag Project employs a comprehensive strategy to tackle gender-based violence, incorporating three interconnected components. This includes a TikTok campaign featuring Vincent Duvergé & Sheryl Smith that reshapes perceptions of masculinity through short, engaging videos that challenge misogynistic views, and the introduction of a 2025 Budget Memorandum that outlines a clear plan for national funding priorities to enhance Mauritius' response to gender-based violence. The Allyship Podcast is the final element of the 2025 Green Flag Project campaign and is accessible on the Passerelle NGO YouTube Channel.

The Allyship Podcast kicks off with a compelling dialogue between Madame Speaker of the National Assembly, the Hon. Mrs. Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, and the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Ms. Kate Chamley. Each subsequent episode amplifies a variety of male voices—from the account of a father whose daughter has survived GBV to the inspiring perspective of Kushal Bhageea, a student at Bhujoharry College. Notable guests also include Mr. Satyajit Boolell, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Jean-Luc Emile, Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, and Mr. Dhiruj Ramluggun from Business Mauritius.

Australia is actively seeking sustainable solutions to GBV both domestically and internationally. The country collaborates with partners globally to deliver programs that prevent, address, and respond to GBV. The Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Ms. Kate Chamley, stated: "GBV remains a significant issue in Mauritius, with reported cases rising dramatically in recent years. Just last week, local news reported over 4,000 domestic violence cases submitted to the Mauritian police in a year. The Ministry of Gender in Mauritius has been spearheading transformative national efforts to tackle GBV. However, it is also our collective responsibility, particularly that of men, to create a safer world for women and girls. This is what makes the Green Flag Project so unique—it advocates for healthier gender roles and challenges harmful stereotypes by including men in the dialogue. I extend my gratitude to Passerelle for this initiative and to Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy for leading this campaign for the past year."

During the launch of the podcast series, Mr. Rashid Ahmine, Director of Public Prosecutions, remarked: "The number of serious GBV cases is increasing. Many women suffer in silence. This situation is alarming, and we all must take action. The most effective way to tackle the issue of GBV, like many other societal illnesses, is through education. We must communicate to all—youth, adults, and seniors—that women are meant to be cherished, not abused. Let us treat them with dignity, respect, care, and love. We must all denounce hegemonic masculinity and promote healthy relationships for the benefit of families and society. Men should champion this cause. This is the exact aim of the Green Flag Project, and I commend both NGO Passerelle and the Australian High Commission for launching this commendable podcast series."

Ms. Mélanie Valère-Cicéron, President of NGO Passerelle, added: "Our mission at Passerelle has always been to support survivors of violence. However, we also bear the responsibility of prevention and changing the norms that allow violence to persist within our homes, schools, and society. Prevention starts with how we raise and value both girls and boys. The Green Flag Project was initiated with one belief: men and boys are vital partners in ending violence against women. For too long, gender-based violence has been perceived as a problem solely for women to solve, despite them being the ones affected. Through this project, we aim to reshape the narrative. We choose to engage in conversations with young men about respect, emotions, consent, and healthy relationships. We strive to create role models. Today, the Green Flag stands as a positive symbol of masculinity. We deeply appreciate the Australian High Commission's belief in the transformative power of engaged women and men. Our work does not end here. Together, let's continue to raise the Green Flag high."

Ms. Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy, Champion of the Green Flag Project campaign, expressed: "At Passerelle, we aim to involve men in meaningful discussions about GBV, positive masculinity, and their essential role as allies in fostering gender-equitable environments. Silence perpetuates harm, while dialogue ignites transformation. Each episode showcases important voices. Conversations hold power. They challenge us, educate us, and propel us from awareness to action. Every challenging discussion we have about gender-based violence is a step toward its elimination. Every man who stands up encourages another to do likewise."

On November 26, 2025, the launch of The Allyship Podcast also featured contributions from actors and content creators Sheryl Smith and Vincent Duvergé-Smith, who participated in the TikTok series in March 2025. They emphasized the importance of content creators with a national platform using their influence for a noble cause. Kushal Bhageea from Bhujoharry College shared about He4Real, their initiative to promote positive masculinity among the younger generation, mentioning that the TikTok videos from The Green Flag campaign in March inspired their He4Real movement.

The event concluded with a powerful slam poem titled "What Makes a Man?" written by Romi Poonoosamy of SantralArt and performed by artist Lionkklash.