ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the Mauritian democracy, examining whether the economic and social transformation that the country experienced since the early 1980s has led to greater gender equity at the level of parliamentary representation. It discusses the current state of affairs with regard to gender and political representation in Mauritius. The chapter explains the factors that marginalise women's presence in the Mauritian parliament. It examines the actions taken by women's groups on this issue. The chapter argues that despite being one of Africa's successful models of developmental democracies, the Mauritian democratic model remains deeply flawed at the level of gender equity in decision-making and political representation. It discusses political factors pertain to the political institutions of the country, namely the electoral system and its reform, and political parties. The chapter shows that although Mauritius has experienced significant progress on the economic, social and educational fronts, gender equality remains largely at the level of rhetoric and gender equity is still a dream.
