The Association of Women in Investment and Finance, aiming to drive professionalism in the financial services sector by empowering women to achieve their professional potential, was launched on 8 March 2022 by the Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Hon. Mahen Kumar Seeruttun, at the FSC House, Ebene.

On this event, the High Commissioner of the Republic of India, Mrs K. Nandini Singla, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr. Alya'a Samir Borhan, the Vice President of the Association of Women in Investment and Finance, Mrs Manisha Dookhony and other personalities were present.

The website (https://womeninvestmentfinance.com/) and the logo of the Association were unveiled on the occasion. Following the launching ceremony, a panel discussion on innovation in investment and finance was held.  The Association has been set up and approved by the Registrar of Association on 24 May 2021. The creation of the Association is in line with the recommendations of the National Export Strategy. 

Hon. Minister Seeruttun highlighted that Women’s Day is an unmissable event on the World Calendar and is of such importance that it is observed as a public holiday in many countries. He commented that there have been significant improvements championing the cause of women on the political, economic and social fronts.

Speaking about the new Association, he indicated that it brings to the fore an extremely rich heritage and collective experience from Women who are passionate and dedicated to the cause and heightened Visibility and Voice through more structured advocacy and act as a sturdy bridge for constructive engagement through greater networking capacity. 

With a view to further encourage women’s emancipation and protect women’s rights, he emphasised that Government has implemented a series of measures including financial assistance by the Development Bank of Mauritius to assist women with startups, the Back-to-Work Programme and extension of maternity leave.

He further stated that as part of its National Export Strategy, Government identified seven sectors, of which the financial services sector, with high potential for export growth, employment generation and innovation. He highlighted that One of the key actions of the financial services sector was to set up an Association for Women in Investment and Finance.

With regard to the ranking of Mauritius in respect to gender equality in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Hon. Minister stated that the country is today one of the top six economies. “In line with the Government’s Vision 2030 aimed at doubling the size of the financial services sector, we aspire to grow the contribution of the sector to GDP in real terms to US$1.9 billion”, he said.

Despite women’s education attainment, he underlined, glass ceiling is a reality and fewer women have been able to enter into leadership roles. Diversity in the Boardroom is today a business imperative, he stated. The Financial Services Minister expressed optimism for a gender-balanced Mauritius where both women and men benefit from greater equality. 

Mrs Dookhony dwelt on the importance to work on key aspects that will support women in the investment and financial services sector. Despite having a large proportion of working women in the financial sector, there is the need to bring them in the upper echelons, she added. She pointed out that the balance has gone further in the disfavour of women following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Association will work towards accelerating the advancement of women leaders in the world of investment and finance.