March 09 2011 -- President James Michel has called on all Seychellois women to celebrate the 100th International Women's Day with dignity and to work to make it another victory for Seychelles.

 

"When our society gives women the chance to develop and fulfill themselves, we are ensuring a better future for each one of us," said President Michel during his televised address on the occasion of Women's Day.

 

The President noted the great strides women of Seychelles have made to ensure that they have equality and to develop their potential since the 1960s, adding that these women are 'an inspiration for our youth' and 'in the modern history of our nation.'

 

"The commemoration of this historic event is a recognition f the contribution that women have made to the development of our nation. All the progress we have made, most of all in the social development, that we have achieved in our country, benefits women."

 

The President noted the important role that women play in the home, in the way they look after their families and children, as well as being giving an equal contribution to the economy.

 

" We are creating many more business opportunities for women, we want more women to become entrepreneurs. Women are determined and independent; these values are a strength that will move the country forward. We want more women in key positions in all sectors of our society. We want to see a society where women are not abused. We are aiming to create a society where there are less social ills, where there are no AIDS, drugs, alcohol abuse," siad President Michel.

 

The President thanked the women of Seychelles for everything they are doing for their country and said that the Seychellois people appreciate the role they play in all aspects of life and the building of the nation.

 

The 100th anniversary of Women's Day was declared a public holiday in Seychelles during the President's State of the Nation Address on February 25th.