A conversation on creativity, identity and cultural impact in Mauritius
By Alvyn Ulrish Shad Savrimuthu
On 18 March, Victoria Urban Terminal hosted the third edition of its Empower Her talk series, bringing together a group of inspiring women to explore how creative expression shapes culture and everyday life in Mauritius. Set in the heart of Port Louis, a city recognised as a UNESCO Creative City, the event created a space where ideas, experiences and perspectives could flow openly through conversation.
The panel, featuring Shakti Callikan, Elizabeth de Marcy Chelin Chabert, Rebecca D’Souza and Arad Rambhojun, reflected the diversity of the Mauritian creative landscape. From poetry and research to fashion and visual merchandising, each speaker brought a distinct voice, offering a layered and honest discussion on what it means to create, to express, and to exist as a woman in the arts today. The evening was also held in the presence of the Junior Minister of Arts and Culture, Honourable Marie Véronique Leu-Govind, who attended as Chief Guest, further highlighting the importance of supporting and advancing the creative sector in Mauritius.
Opening the evening, Arti Ram, General Manager of Victoria Urban Terminal, set the tone by highlighting the venue’s broader purpose. “While VUT is known as a multi-modal transport hub, it connects people across the island. It is also a place where people come together around ideas, culture and creativity”, she said. Positioned within a city known for its creative identity, she added that the terminal is “proud to create spaces where creativity, dialogue and new perspectives can thrive”.
She also reflected on how conversations can translate into real action. “Meaningful change often starts with small, concrete actions”, she noted, referencing last year’s discussion, which led to the introduction of recycling initiatives across the terminal. Turning to this year’s theme, she emphasised the deeper role of artistic expression, describing it as “a powerful way to share ideas, emotions and stories’.
Throughout the discussion, Elizabeth de Marcy Chelin Chabert brought attention to the evolving visibility of artists in a digital world. “Nowadays there are more and more opportunities for artists to exhibit, to be seen from a local point of view which is also an international point of view”, she explained, pointing to the impact of online platforms in expanding reach beyond geographical boundaries. Yet, her reflection carried a sense of urgency. “I still believe that the democratization of the arts is a big need”, she said, noting that access to cultural spaces often remains limited. For her, the next step lies in making art more accessible at a national level, especially through early exposure. Encouraging children to engage with creative spaces, she added, “would be amazing for our kids”.
Shakti Callikan expanded the conversation by reframing creativity itself. Rather than confining it to traditional art forms, she described it as a way of thinking and approaching the world. “Creativity has a very large scope, you can be very creative while solving problems in your work, thinking about an idea in a very different lens”, she said. Her perspective opened the discussion to a broader understanding of creativity as something embedded in everyday life. At the same time, she highlighted the importance of environment and representation. “We need spaces where women are comfortable coming to”, she noted, raising questions around accessibility and safety. She also emphasised the role of visibility in shaping ambition, explaining that “it’s so important, to see women who’ve chosen different fields”.
Rebecca D’Souza brought a reflective perspective rooted in her experience as a Mauritian writer. She pointed to the steady progress being made within the creative sector, particularly for women. “There is more recognition for women artist, there is more professionalism in the field, and that is a huge thing when it comes to building a career”, she said. While acknowledging the challenges of a competitive industry, she highlighted the growing support systems available. “There are more opportunities, more cultural institutions, that help a woman artist break through and be able to showcase her art”. For her, collaboration and determination remain key, noting that “women know what they want, they are working harder”.
Closing the discussion on a deeply personal note, Arad Rambhojun shared her journey into upcycling fashion, shaped by early encouragement and a desire to create with purpose. She emphasised the importance of nurturing creativity from a young age, explaining that when a child shows interest in art, it is essential “to support and push them, because this is what will aid them to express themselves as they grow up.” Inspired by her upbringing, she chose to transform her mother’s old saris into new garments, giving them a second life. What began as a personal exploration gradually resonated with others, as people around her began to notice and appreciate her work. At its core, her approach reflects a broader intention to create in a way that contributes to both society and the environment.
What made the evening particularly striking was the way each perspective connected with the others. There was a shared understanding that creativity is deeply personal, yet shaped by systems, access and opportunity. The discussion moved fluidly between individual stories and larger structural questions, revealing both the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead.
In a setting designed for movement and connection, the conversation itself became a reflection of that purpose. It was thoughtful, honest and at times quietly powerful. More than anything, it reaffirmed that creative expression is not just about art, it is about voice, identity and the ability to shape the world around us.
