International Women’s Day 2026: WHO drives inclusion: screening and equity for women in custody and staff

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.

During his address, Dr Abdou Salam Gueye, WHO Representative in Mauritius, emphasized the importance of prevention and early detection, noting the alarming rise in noncommunicable diseases and that cancers are leading causes of illness and death worldwide. He reiterated the WHO's commitment to advancing initiatives that enable every woman to lead a healthy life.

President Gokhool reiterated Government's vision to build a society where men and women act as partners in advancing dignity justice, and equality in line with the Government Programme 2025‒2029.

The Minister of Gender and Family Welfare, Honorable Ms Navarre-Marie underlined the commitment of her ministry in rehabilitating detainees through dignity, respect and empowerment so they can reintegrate society.

The Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Ms Anishta Babooram recalled the various health care facilities put in place for detainees, including clinical examinations and screening programmes like those available to the wider population.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh highlighted the resilience of women detainees and stressed the importance of facilitating their reintegration into society. She emphasized the importance of rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration.

The Commissioner for Prisons, Mr Premnathsing Jokhoo stated the commitment of the country to rehabilitate, empower and reintegrate women detainees through training and capacity building in fields such pastry making, food production, garment making, handicrafts, hairdressing and vegetable farming.

This initiative reflects WHO's commitment to universal health coverage, equity and inclusion, ensuring that no woman is left behind, even in custodial settings. It also showcased the strength of multi-sectoral collaboration, with support from partners such as United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office (UNRCO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the State Bank of Mauritius, and the Rotary Club of Souillac.

Beyond health, the programme promoted dignity and empowerment: hygiene kits were distributed to detainees, fresh fruit encouraged workplace wellness among the women prisons officers and donations - including a television and speaker system - to support rehabilitation and educational activities.

The message of the day was clear: every woman deserves a second chance-for health, dignity and justice.