Female Empowerment in Mauritian Trade Unions: A Contemporary Analysis

Abstract

This paper aims at identifying why female representation is weak in trade unions in Mauritius. This could be a phenomenon common to developing nations whereby the role of women might have apparently been limited in society. There is female anticipation on way in developing economies and Mauritius is no exception to it. Concerning trade unionism, it has been long time associated with the macho role where men constituted more than 80% of union membership and maintained dominance since the early days of trade unionism in Mauritius. The context has changed over the years following the industrialization of the economy and the development of sectors like textile, tourism and the services areas where women have been able to secure employment and earn a living. Despite high female representation in these areas, women are unfortunately limited in their participation as trade union members. The article wants to see why women are not given the chance to join trade unions not only as ordinary members but rather as important players within unions. It firstly aims to analyze why women have been barred from empowerment in joining unions and having important positions. The paper, through a scientific study, then moves forward with potential strategies that unions could undertake to ensure better female representation hence empowerment. This philosophy could do justice to the female workforce which comprises nearly 52% of the population with a high rate of female workforce (55%) among the working population.
Keywords: Empowerment, Mauritius, Trade Unions, Women.