Port Louis, Mauritius: The Australian High Commission has partnered with the NGO Passerelle to launch the final component of its Green Flag Project – a podcast series aimed at promoting positive masculinity and engaging men in meaningful conversations about gender-based violence (GBV).
Through funding from Australia’s Direct Aid Program (DAP), the Green Flag Project campaign aims to shift the narrative by emphasising the crucial role that men play in preventing and addressing GBV.
TGFP is a national campaign launched in 2025 to promote healthier gender roles and a more positive model of masculinity—an innovative way of tackling gender-based violence in Mauritius. At its core is a belief that real social progress can only happen if we fundamentally rethink how gender roles are shaped.
The Green Flag Project adopts a holistic approach to addressing gender-based violence, integrating three interconnected strands. It includes a TikTok campaign, with Vincent Duvergé & Sheryl Smith, that reshapes perceptions of masculinity through short, engaging videos challenging misogynistic attitudes. While the Allyship Podcast represents the last component of the 2025 Green Flag Project campaign, which is also available on the Passerelle NGO YouTube Channel.
The Allyship Podcast opens with a powerful conversation between Speaker of the National Assembly, the Hon. Mrs Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, and the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Ms Kate Chamley.
Each subsequent episode amplifies diverse male voices—from the testimony of a father whose daughter survived GBV to the inspiring vision of Kushal Bhageea, a student at Bhujoharry College. Featured guests also include Mr Satyajit Boolell, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr Jean-Luc Emile, Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, and Mr Dhiruj Ramluggun from Business Mauritius.
Australia is acting both at home and abroad to find lasting solutions to GBV, where it is working closely with partners across the globe to deliver programs that prevent, address, and respond to GBV.
Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Ms Kate Chamley said: “GBV remains a critical issue in Mauritius with reported cases rising significantly in recent years. During the last week, it was reported by the local press that more than 4000 cases of domestic violence have been filed with the police in a year. The Ministry of Gender in Mauritius has spearheaded transformative national efforts to address GBV. But it is also our collective responsibility, and that of men, to build a safer world for women and girls. This is why the Green Flag Project is unique – it promotes healthier gender roles and challenges harmful stereotypes by bringing men into the conversation. I want to thank Passerelle for this initiative and to Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy for leading the campaign for a year now.”
Speaking at the launch of the podcast series, Director of Public Prosecutions, Rashid Ahmine, said: “The number of serious cases of GBV is on the rise. So, many women are suffering in silence. The situation is alarming, and we all need to do something about it. The most efficient and successful way to address the problem of GBV, like many other illnesses our society faces today, is through education. Let us convey the message to all- our youngsters, adults, and seniors- that women were created to be loved and not to be abused. Let us treat them with dignity, respect, care, and love. We shall all condemn hegemonic masculinity and promote healthy relationships for the good of the family and society. Men should be the champions of this cause. This is precisely what the Green Flag Project aims at, and I view the podcast series launched today as a very laudable initiative for which I highly commend both NGO Passerelle and the Australian High Commission.’’
On the other hand, the President of NGO Passerelle, Mélanie Valère-Cicéron, commented: “Our mission at Passerelle has always been to accompany the survivors of violence. But our responsibility also lies in prevention and in changing the norms that allow violence to persist in our homes, our schools, and our society. Prevention begins with how we raise and value both our girls and boys. The Green Flag Project was launched with one conviction: men and boys are essential partners in ending violence against women. For too long, gender-based violence has been seen as a problem that women must solve while they are the ones suffering from it. Through this project, we choose to change the narrative. We choose to open conversations with young men about respect, emotions, consent, and healthy relationships. We chose to create role models. Today, the Green Flag stands as a positive symbol of masculinity. Our deepest appreciation to the Australian High Commission for believing in the transformative power of engaged women and men. This work does not end today. Together, let us continue to raise the Green Flag high.”
Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy, who is the Champion of the Green Flag Project campaign, said: “At Passerelle, we chose to engage men in meaningful conversations about GBV, positive masculinity, and their critical role as allies in creating gender-equitable environments. Because silence fuels harm, and dialogue sparks transformation. Each episode features voices that matter. Conversations have power. They challenge us, educate us, and move us from awareness to action. Every difficult discussion we have about gender-based violence is a step toward ending it. Every man who speaks up encourages another to do the same.”
Kushal Bhageea from the Bhujoharry College spoke about He4Real, their own movement to promote masculine positivity among the younger generation. He shared that the TikTok videos from The Green Flag campaign in March inspired their own He4Real movement.
The event concluded with a powerful slam – What makes a man? – written by Romi Poonoosamy of SantralArt and performed by artist Lionkklash.
