Ministry Of Social Affairs, Family & Equality

21/07/2026

𝐌𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐀 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The Ministry of Social Affairs, Family and Equality is seeking the support of the COMESA for capacity building in technical and vocational training. This along with other subjects such as empowerment of women in the trade sector were the main topic of discussion in a high level meeting held on Monday.

The meeting was led by the Secretary General of COMESA Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe and the Secretary of State of Ministry of Social Affairs, Family and Equality Mrs. Linda William Melanie.
Also in attendance were Chief Executive Officer, COMFWB Mr. Chikakula Miti, the Director Information and Technology & Country Officer Ms. Lanka Dorby, the Acting Director Gender and Social Affairs Ms. Tsige Biyazen and Ms. Maluba Sikopo Sinyambo who is the Executive Support Officer to the Secretary General.

The local delegation comprised of the Principal Secretary of the Family and Equality Department Mike Morel and Gerald Kiwale also from the Family and Equality Department and the Executive Director, Rosa Morin.

Her Excellency Kapwepwe started the meeting by talking about COMESA, regrouping 21 countries with more than 680 million people with focus on trade and investments. The Secretary General explained that the organisation has strong emphasis on innovation and incubation, supporting women and youth led initiatives. Mrs. Kapwepwe also spoke strongly on the need for productions to happen within COMESA as this is the only way, trading can happen between the member states.

On her part SS William-Melanie spoke about women projects being done under COMFWEB Seychelles and thanked the COMESA for its support in the development of the gender based violence curriculum. She also highlighted the challenges faced by women in the trade sector as this domain is predominantly led by men.

As the ministry has the disability portfolio, and manages the Vocational Training Center for young people with disability, the Secretary of State spoke on the importance of capacity building, training of trainers and development of specific policies, keeping in mind the uniqueness of Seychelles and an island nation. One area that was stressed on TOT for teachers, especially in the arts and crafts where innovation can also be factored in ensuring trading and generating of revenue happens.

The Secretary General of COMESA Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe said that the COMESA through its gender and social affairs department will explore ways in assisting Seychelles with capacity building. She also congratulated the island nation for submission and respecting timelines, for its national report on women empowerment.

20/07/2026

11/07/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲 - 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟏

As we mark World Population Day 2026, we are reminded that development is never about numbers alone—it is about people. It is about lives lived, dreams carried, and futures still being written.

This year carries a deeper meaning for Seychelles as we celebrate 50 years of Independence. Half a century of nationhood is more than a milestone; it is a mirror reflecting who we have become together. It is the story of our children growing into leaders, of families holding firm through change, and of a people who continue to believe in the promise of this beautiful nation.

Families remain the foundation of who we are. They are our first teachers of love, discipline, respect, and belonging. In every home—whether strong or struggling—lies the future of our society. When we strengthen families, we do not simply support households; we strengthen the very backbone of our nation.

As Minister responsible for Social Affairs, Family and Equality, I have seen both the challenges and the beauty of our social fabric. I have seen how support can lift a life, and how inequality can silence potential. This is why our commitment must remain firm: no Seychellois should be left unseen, unheard, or unsupported.

Equality is not an aspiration we speak of lightly—it is a national necessity. A society only reaches its full strength when all of its people regardless of age, ability or gender walk forward with equal dignity and opportunity. When a girl is empowered, she does not rise alone—she lifts families, communities, and generations. When boys are raised to value care, respect, and shared responsibility, we shape a stronger, more compassionate nation.

As we celebrate 50 years of independence, we are also being called to imagine the Seychelles we want for the next 50 years. A Seychelles where dignity is not debated, where opportunity is not limited by circumstance, and where every child born on these islands knows they belong to a nation that believes in them.

The choices we make today will echo into tomorrow. Let us choose inclusion over exclusion, unity over division, and compassion over indifference.

Let us continue building a Seychelles where no one is invisible, where every family finds strength, and where every person is given the chance to thrive—not in spite of who they are, but because of the value they bring.

This year’s United Nation’s theme for World Population Day -Realising the hopes and aspirations of young people- today and the future resonates with the Seychelles we want to build today and for the next 50 years.

On behalf of the Ministry for Social Affairs, Family and Equality, I extend to every Seychellois heartfelt wish on this World Population Day.

07/07/2026

07/07/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬

As part of the ongoing activities marking Seychelles' 50th Anniversary of Independence, the Minister for Social Affairs, Family and Equality, Minister Pamela Charlette, distributed commemorative gifts to three schools on Mahé on Tuesday.

The memorabilia, gifted by President Patrick Herminie as part of the nation's Golden Jubilee celebrations, will be presented to students in all public and private schools across Seychelles.
Minister Charlette began her visit at La Misère Primary School, where commemorative pens and colored pencils were distributed to students. She then proceeded to the Perseverance district, where students of Perseverance Primary School and Perseverance Secondary School also received their commemorative gifts.

At each school, the gifts were symbolically presented to the Head Teacher and a group of students before being distributed to the wider student body.

The initiative reflects President Herminie's commitment to the nation's youth and serves as a lasting reminder of this historic milestone in Seychelles' journey as an independent nation. As part of the national distribution exercise, members of the Cabinet of Ministers have each been assigned a number of schools to deliver the commemorative gifts on behalf of the Head of State, reinforcing the significance of the Golden Jubilee celebrations and the Government's appreciation of the country's younger generation.

Schools that are currently closed for the school holidays will receive their commemorative gifts when the new school term begins, ensuring that every student across the country has the opportunity to participate in this historic national celebration.

15/06/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 - 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟓

Today, as we commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of older persons in Seychelles.

This year's theme, "Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work," reminds us that while awareness is important, meaningful change comes through action. We must continue to strengthen our efforts to prevent elder abuse and ensure that older persons can live safely, independently, and with dignity.

As Seychelles celebrates 50 years of Independence, we pay tribute to the generations of older persons whose hard work, sacrifices, and dedication helped build the nation we know today. Their contributions have shaped our communities and laid the foundation for our progress. It is now our responsibility to ensure that they can enjoy their later years free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and fear.

While Seychelles continues to support older persons through pensions, community initiatives, care services, and policies that promote healthy ageing, preventing elder abuse remains a shared responsibility. Families, communities, service providers, and government institutions all have a role to play in promoting respect, supporting caregivers, and ensuring that concerns are identified and addressed early.

As we mark this important day, let us move beyond awareness and focus on action. Together, we can build a society where every older person feels safe, valued, respected, and empowered to live a fulfilling life.

15/06/2026

Happening now! March to mark World Elderly Abuse Awareness day.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), observed annually on June 15, is an international United Nations-recognized campaign designed to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. The day promotes human rights and encourages communities globally to recognize elder mistreatment as a critical public health issue.

WEAAD seeks to ensure seniors can live their lives with dignity, free from fear, violence, and manipulation. The focus pushes for the development of protective policies, improved eldercare standards, and community support systems.

14/06/2026

Join us today 🤗

It’s finally here… 🌴 🇸🇨

09/06/2026

𝐀 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐬' 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬.

Today, the Government through the Ministry of Social Affairs, Family and Equality and local NGO Elles Foundation officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy, empowering young people, and strengthening support for teenage mothers and their children.

The ceremony was attended by Minister for Social Affairs, Family and Equality Mrs. Pamela Charlette, Minister for Health Dr. Marvin F***y, Minister for Youth and Sports Ms. Kalsey Belle, among representatives of key stakeholders.

Through this partnership, the Ministry will provide SCR 600,000 in grant funding to support programmes focused on education, awareness, life skills, reproductive health, and assistance for young mothers and their children.

The MoU signed between Principal Secretary for Family and Equality Department Mr. Mike Morel and Elles Foundation's Chairperson Mrs. Lorea Rassool reflects a shared commitment between Government and civil society to promote prevention, education, empowerment, and brighter futures for young people across Seychelles.

05/06/2026

🌞 Family Fun Day at Beau Vallon Beach 🌊

The Family and Equality Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Inner Islands, recently organised a successful Family Fun Day at Beau Vallon Beach.
The event brought together families from across the community for a day filled with fun activities, entertainment, laughter, and quality family time in a beautiful beach setting. It was inspiring to see so many families enjoying the day and strengthening bonds while creating lasting memories.

We would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a great success. Your participation and enthusiasm helped create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for all.
Together, we continue to promote family unity, social inclusion, and community well-being.