First shelter to assist vulnerable women opens

The only shelter for women of gender-based violence has opened in Seychelles. The EU-funded facility, which is run by Citizens Engagement Platform of Seychelles, was opened by the Ambassador of the EU to the island nation, Marjaana Sall, and the Minister for Family Affairs Mitcy Larue. About 60% of women in the island nation experience violence. ‘Gender equality is a core component of our foreign policy. This is why the European Union is funding activities to protect vulnerable women, including women who have suffered gender-based violence and women using drugs,’ Sall said. A report on the allAfrica site notes that the initiative will also assist with the finalisation of the Domestic Violence Bill and its adoption by the National Assembly as well as improve awareness on the rights of women.