To commemorate International Women's Day 2017, which falls on the 8th March, the President of the Republic, Mr Danny Faure, invited women in key decision-making positions from the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary and Civil Society to State House to participate in a round table discussion on the UN theme for this year "Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030."

In 2015, world leaders adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, placing gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Achievement of the goals, including ending poverty, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, reducing inequalities within and between countries, and achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls, rests upon unlocking the full potential of women in the world of work.

Chaired by Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon, participants presented and discussed issues facing women in Seychelles, particularly in the workforce, and drew up a list of recommendations for Government consideration. Following the round table discussion, the recommendations were presented at a special Cabinet meeting dedicated to women.

Contributors to the round table discussion included Hon Chief Justice, Mathilda Twomey, Designated Minister, Mrs Macsuzy Mondon, Minister Idith Alexander, Minister Mitcy Larue, all female Members of the National Assembly, Principal Secretary for Social Affairs, Mrs Linda William-Melanie, Ambassador for Women and Children, Dr Erna Athanasius, Gender, Rights and Governance Commissioner for Citizen Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS), Mrs Monica Servina, and Miss Mahrookh Pardiwalla, consultant and facilitator of the forum.

Other activities held at State House to mark International Women's Day, was the promotion of young female Seychelles Coast Guard officer, Lieutenant Connie Anthony and in the afternoon President Faure hosted a special gathering for women whose close relatives are substance abusers.