A one-day workshop aimed at equipping officers from the National Women’s Council (NWC) and the Gender Unit of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare with essential First Aid skills as well as enhancing their confidence in managing medical emergencies and promoting safety awareness opened, today, at the United Docks Business Park in Port Louis.
The workshop, a joint initiative of the NWC and the Mauritius Red Cross Society, is being organised in the context of World First Aid Day celebrated annually on 14 September. The opening ceremony was held in the presence of the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Kalpana Devi Koonjoo-Shah; the Chairperson of the NWC, Mrs Sooma Devi Vencatagadoo; the Manager of the NWC, Mrs Nalini Jugnauth-Naeck, and other personalities.
In her address, Minister Koonjoo-Shah highlighted the critical importance of First Aid in saving lives, preventing injuries from worsening, and empowering individuals to respond effectively in emergency situations. Addressi
ng the Field Officers of the NWC and Gender Unit Officers, she underscored their vital role as the first point of contact within their communities during unforeseen accidents or medical emergencies. She emphasised that equipping them with essential First Aid skills is a natural step toward enhancing their capacity to serve their communities more effectively.
Mrs Koonjoo-Shah further asserted that First Aid training serves not only as a life-saving tool but also as a means of empowerment, particularly for women. She noted that true empowerment stems from both knowledge and the confidence to act decisively when needed. In this regard, she pointed out that equipping women with the tools and knowledge necessary for leadership roles enables them to become powerful agents of change.
On the same note, Minister Koonjoo-Shah underlined that First Aid includes both immediate response and prevention, emphasising that a key objective of the training is to raise awareness about safety measures and cultivate a culture of
preparedness within communities. Providing this critical training supports broader efforts to reduce health inequalities, ensuring that all communities, regardless of their geographical or socio-economic circumstances, have access to essential life-saving care, she added.
For her part, Mrs Vencatagadoo spoke about the vital role of First Aid as the first line of defence in preserving life, preventing injuries from worsening, and promoting recovery. She, thus, outlined the importance of developing confidence to act quickly and effectively in emergency situations. She also mentioned that the training represents a fundamental commitment to safety, responsibility, and the well-being of all community members.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov
Source: Government of Mauritius