On 9 March 2026, the voices of women in custody at Beau Bassin Women’s Prison resonated through songs, sketches and slam poetry with a powerful message: “Donne nou ene deuxieme chance” (“Let us have a second chance.”)
There could be no better place to mark International Women’s Day 2026, under the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action” than among female detainees—local and foreign—and the women prison officers who work tirelessly to support their reintegration into society.
In close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Mauritius Prison Service, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, a comprehensive two-day health screening initiative was organized at Beau Bassin Women’s Prison on 9 and 10 March.
Over 325 beneficiaries—including 220 female detainees and 105 female prison officers—were the target for integrated health services - screening for noncommunicable diseases including hypertension and diabetes; breast cancer screening through clinical breast examinations; and cervical cancer screening in line with national guidelines.
The initiative was held in the presence of His Excellency Mr Dharambeer Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius, alongside the Honourable Minister of Gender,and Family Welfare, Ms Navarre-Marie, the Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Honourable Ms Anishta Babooram, the WHO Representative, Dr Abdou Salam Gueye, the UN Resident Coordinator , Ms Lisa Simrique Singh and other partners, and civil society organizations.
