The SNP Women’s Organisation held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Saturday, November 5, 2011, at the International Conference Center, Victoria.

Some very fervent women supporters came to the meeting where three new committee members were elected. (Picture: SNP Women's Organisation Committee)

Mrs Ruby de Silva, who is new to the political scene, was elected as deputy chairperson of the Women’s Organisation.

Miss Deborah Brioche was elected the representative for the North region and Suzette Hermitte is now responsible for the East region.

Mrs Regina Alcindor, the chairperson of the SNP Women’s Organisation said that during her mandate she is making it a priority to get a maximum of women to engage in politics.

“I also want the SNP as a political party to meet the target set out by SADC so that by 2015, our party can have a 50% representation in its structures and in the National Assembly”, Mrs. Alcindor said.

In line with this, in September, the Organisation held a workshop for its women supporters under the banner “Engaging Women in Politics”. The workshop was organised with the financial help of the Inter Press Services (IPS) Africa’.

During the AGM, various presentations were made, mainly on the cost of living, social renaissance and women’s engagement in politics.

Mrs Alcindor said it has not been an easy task to get new women to come forward to join the party, but she has been impressed with the many that have been brave enough to join the fight to bring democracy in the country.

Regarding the SNP convention to be held on 20th November where leaders and office bearers of the party will be elected, Mrs Alcindor said she is lobbying women to support their counterparts who have been proposed for these posts.

Mrs Alcindor said next year the SNP Women’s Organisation will be going door to door to connect better with supporters and women in the country in general.

“The SNP Women’s Organisation is on the move, alive and well as more women are joining it because they want to make a contribution in their party and country. Our organisation is working towards a goal of gender balance, both internally and nationally. Be part of this movement,” is Mrs. Alcindor’s message to women in Seychelles.