In June 2023, a police report revealed an alarming increase in the number of cases of mistreatment, abuse and neglect of the elderly in Mauritius! In response to this emergency situation, the NGO MPower and the anAngel platform jointly launched the Gran Dimoune Konn to Drwa initiative, to give the elderly back their fundamental rights!
Delphine Raimond
Surrounded by police officers from the family protection unit and legal and banking professionals, nearly 300 households have already been helped, thanks to workshops held in St Hilaire (1/07), Mahébourg (5/08) and Dubreuil (9/09), providing advice on their rights and security, protection and support. “Together and in close collaboration with the local collective, governmental and private authorities, we are trying to raise awareness in all the villages,” confides Maître Mokshda Pertaub, court-appointed lawyer and president of MPower.
Navinee Ramnial, an active member of anAngel – which works against intimidation and violence against women, children and the elderly – is the initiator and coordinator of the Gran Dimoune Konn to Drwa project. She says: “This teamwork is a tribute to our elders. If we can count on more sponsors, we’ll be able to extend our action to other places and bring our help to as many people as possible!”
The legal expertise of MPower, which is particularly committed to the Maputo Protocol on African Women’s Rights, reinforces the social actions carried out by anAngel. A civic partnership to empower the elderly. “The work we do in the field shows that senior citizens don’t know their rights and are also afraid of their children – so they keep quiet!
www.mpower.mu – 5942 5631
