Supporting women fishers

Fishermen Welfare Fund in action

MAURITIUS: Demonstrating the impact of the Fishermen Welfare Fund (FWF) which was established in 2000, the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell visited a fisherwoman from Bambous-Virieux this week to present her with financial assistance.

Marie Eugénie Clara Lagaillarde, a registered fisher, received financial assistance through the Maternity Grant Scheme of the FWF, which supports women fishers during their maternity. In addition, she was granted a cheque under the Sickness Allowance programme.

The Junior Minister of the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Gilles Fabrice David; the Junior Minister for Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Anishta Babooram; the Member of Parliament, Manoj Seeburn; and other personalities accompanied the Minister.

In a statement, Dr Boolell praised Mrs Lagaillarde for her courage and commitment, both as a fisherwoman and a new mother. He highlighted the rarity of women in the fishing sector and underscored the importance of acknowledging her strength and resilience.

The Minister noted that the FWF serves as an essential support system for new mothers in the fishing community, noting that the grant not only celebrates the birth of a child but also contributes to creating a caring and supportive environment for both mother and newborn.

This initiative, Dr Boolell added, reflects Government’s continued commitment to promoting gender inclusion and enhancing welfare in traditionally male-dominated fields such as the fishing industry.

He also reiterated the vital role of family support in fostering a nurturing environment for the child. Dr Boolell commended the strong sense of solidarity within the community, noting Bambous-Virieux’s rich fishing heritage, and expressed his best wishes for the ongoing well-being of both mother and child.

Fishermen Welfare Fund

The FWF, established under the FWF Act No. 28 of 2000 and operating since May 2001, is a corporate body under the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries. Its mission is to promote the social and economic welfare of registered fishers and their families in Mauritius and Rodrigues through various support schemes.

Among its key programmes is the Maternity Allowance Scheme, which provides a one-time payment to registered fisherwomen upon the birth of a child, helping to meet the family’s basic needs and support maternal and child health.

In addition, financial assistance such as the Sickness Allowance provides support to registered fishers during periods of hospitalisation.