On Thursday 20th April 2023, the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) met with the CEO of the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS) Mr. Alvin Laurence and its Chairperson Mrs. Francoise Larue. Representing the WPC was the Chairperson Hon. Regina Esparon, Vice-Chairperson Hon. Audrey Vidot, Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel, Hon. Desheila Bastienne, Hon. Doyace Porice, Hon. Flory Larue; Committee Secretaries- Mrs. Florette Monaie and Ms. Samia Lebon, and Ms. Denise Johnny as Assistant Secretary.
The main aim of the meeting was for the WPC to gain a better understanding of CEPS engagement with the general public, the mechanisms available for the civil society groups who fall under the purview of CEPS, and the objectives of the groups currently engaged in bringing the causes of women and children forward.
The NGOs affiliated with CEPS vary greatly and include: Faith-based groups such as the Everlasting Love Ministry, who’s mission includes the education of youth regarding moral values; Entrepreneurial groups such as Women in Action and Solidarity (WASO), whose mission is the creation and development of a strong empowered network of Seychelles women living in unfortunate circumstances; and sectoral groups such as Nature Seychelles, which is an Environmental NGO who champions the restoration of ecosystems and the reduction of the levels of critically-endangered bird species in Seychelles; among many others across Seychelles.
The WPC and CEPS discussed future collaborations for the betterment of society and the promotion of key issues under the scrutiny of both parties. It was agreed that future meetings and joint activities would be organised, in conjunction with a variety of NGOs.
