Media Watch Organistion wishes to congratulate all the women who stood as candidates in the 2005 General Elections and most particularly those who were elected.

This is the first time in the history of Mauritius that 12 women will sit in the Legislative Assembly. We have not reached the 30% target set out by SADC yet but from the last position of women in politics in all the SADC countries Mauritius has moved to 6th position coming close to Botswana.

Being able to transform society demands that women start by being able to transform the institution of power. It is in this spirit that Media Watch Organisation is asking the new prime minister, Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, to liaise with the leader of the opposition, Paul Raymond Berenger so that a woman may be appointed as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

At the Media Watch Organisation/Gender Links workshop on Gender and Elections held on 14th February 2005 when all leaders of political parties were invited to participate, Xavier Luc Duval, leader of PMXD and now deputy prime minister said ?a woman could be nominated as president or vice president of the Republic and why not Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. It is for politicians to break stereotypes?.

Now is the time to walk the talk.

<B>Loga VIRAHSAWMY</B>

President of Media Watch Organisation.