In her own Words: First Lady Veronique Herminie

“I foresee that Seychelles will, in the very near future, be ready to welcome a woman as President of our nation.”

Cosmocreole had the pleasure of interviewing Mrs Veronique Herminie, the new First Lady of Seychelles. With over 30 years of leadership experience in both public and private sectors, Mrs Herminie offers a unique perspective to her role. As a chartered accountant and a dedicated mentor for women and youth, she is passionate about driving progress and empowerment for all Seychellois. In this exclusive interview, we explore the values that inspire her, her ambitious vision for Seychelles as First Lady, and the moments that have shaped her journey from professional leader to national figurehead.

First Lady—that’s quite a title to uphold. What are the challenges you anticipated facing as the First Lady? 

For the first time in my 35-year career, I will be fully dependent on my husband. Whilst I look forward to giving my heart and commitment to community service, working for the people of Seychelles for the next five years, I fear that I may lose myself in the process. I have had to relinquish all the responsibilities I held as a professional in my own right, such is the sacrifice I had to make for the higher office.  Losing my financial independence is not only a challenge but a scary step into the unknown. I hope, though, that I will have some freedom to implement new initiatives alongside the relevant ministries, agencies, and NGOs – local and international – not only to benefit Seychelles and its people, but also to bring me a sense of fulfilment and deeper purpose.

As First Lady, you occupy a unique position as a bridge between government, community, and family life. How do you see your role in connecting with everyday Seychellois women — both at home and in the diaspora? 

I have always enjoyed engaging with others on projects and initiatives, especially with women.  Women from all walks of life!  I have mentored and guided so many women in management positions today, not only in Seychelles but on the African continent, and I feel proud each time they share their achievements.  This was the reason I created the WOSITA Foundation (Women of Seychelles Inspiring Transformative Actions) in April 2025, to further empower women from Seychelles to be more and do more.

I foresee this platform growing in my role as First Lady, as more women come forward to share their skills and knowledge with others. Today, as we speak, the WOSITA Foundation has 3200 followers on Facebook, 470 on WhatsApp, and 153 registered members.  We have Seychelloise residing overseas who are acting as WOSITA Ambassadors and contributing in different ways to support the network of women.  I shall remain the Chairperson of the WOSITA Foundation and, along with the two co-founders, will ensure that it continues to achieve its objectives, Vision and Mission for all women and girls of Seychelles.

I intend to make time to meet people and engage with them at different levels, and given my interest in advocating for gender equality, I have also supported and encouraged people of other genders in pursuing their personal goals. Any country needs all men on board for progress and economic success.  As First Lady, it would be remiss of me to act or think otherwise.

Who are the women – in Seychelles or beyond — who have most inspired you—your leadership style, compassion, or resilience? 

I have always been my own person, with my own style, be it in fashion or leadership. I try not to conform to anyone’s ideas but aim to do what I feel is right. Over the years, as I navigated through different leadership roles, I always adjusted my sails for the benefit of my subordinates and the organisation.

I believe in the abilities of our human resources and that we all need guidance to shine in our chosen roles and responsibilities. I have enjoyed empowering others to gain confidence to achieve their personal goals. My mission in life is never to compete, as I have observed that it achieves nothing but unhappiness. I focus on my own goals and work towards achieving these in my own determined way.  I have learnt to filter the “noises,” accept what I cannot change, and focus on reality to take action accordingly.

Today, as I reflect on your question and my new role as First Lady, I think of Mrs Geva Rene, the second wife of the late President France Albert Rene, who left a legacy as a children’s rights activist and an educator.  I always admired the grace with which she approached her role and the passion with which she delivered on her cause.  

I also have to appreciate Former First Lady Michelle Obama, as I understand more of what she has often publicly shared about her life in the Office, supporting her husband, President Barack Obama.

Cosmo Creole is all about inspiring other women regardless of their social background or political affiliation. As a woman, what do you think is the best way to inspire each other? 

I must admit that some women often find it challenging to work alongside each other for varying reasons, unable to appreciate successes without back-biting, sniping, pulling each other down, or stealing someone else’s thunder!  I have played the role of ‘United Nations’ so many times just to prove the worth of another.

We are all made in different moulds and grow from various experiences.  One does not have to be a CEO to be the most intelligent.  Titles, inheritance, or beauty do not make someone.  Character and personality do. Being the loudest in the room or the most confident does not mean you know more. By listening to understand, respect, and better appreciate others, you learn more and can finally make a more informed decision. 

I have learnt some amazing things from ordinary, hard-working women. I am humble enough and have so much patience, which is probably why I can today work with so many women in the WOSITA Foundation, all coming from diverse backgrounds, be it political, religious, or otherwise and all walks of life. 

By coming together, each bringing our own skills, knowledge, passion, and understanding to the table, we could inspire and empower each other more. Shining light on personal achievements, sharing personal stories, mentoring, advocating for each other, networking, and fostering inclusion are the best ways to inspire.

We recently saw eight women appointed as ministers. Would you say Seychelles is doing enough for women, and what do you believe are the next frontiers for Seychellois women — especially in leadership, business, and social change? 

I believe Seychelles gained an advantage over other countries on the continent and elsewhere by being more worldly in its bold actions in the late 70s and early 80s, when we laid out policy decisions regarding education and health for all.  This could have been due to our population size and limited resources, but whatever the reason, it was the right decision, as we are seeing the fruits today.  

Today, women in Seychelles have the opportunity to make better career choices based on self-interest in diverse fields, be it medical, aviation, engineering, construction, media, IT, agriculture, fisheries or marine-related fields, areas where our male counterparts are more dominant. We should not forget the women leading in business as well.  

On the international front, we have a number of Seychelloise working in various capacities for international organisations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and others. Many of the women in our diaspora overseas are also doing quite well for themselves, flying the Seychelles flag high.

With the progression, as you rightly mentioned in women’s representation in the cabinet, I foresee that Seychelles will, in the very near future, be ready to welcome a woman as President of our nation.  We are already hearing echoes of acceptance in that regard.

How do you personally balance being Seychelloise at heart with engaging the world beyond our shores? 

I was, until very recently, the Chairperson of the ATAF (African Tax Administration Forum) Women in Tax Network and although my responsibility was for the implementation of the mandate of the network, in many of my interventions, I made sure to mention the progress we as a small nation have made on so many fronts as compared to other countries on the African continent.

I am very, very proud to be a Seychelloise and even more proud of our achievements, so I can never stop singing our praises.

The modern role of a First Lady is evolving — from ceremonial to purposeful advocacy.  What causes or initiatives are closest to your heart, and how do you plan to champion them? 

As first lady, I intend to strengthen Seychelles’ voice in international humanitarian matters and advocate locally and abroad for the top five Sustainable Development Goals–no poverty, zero hunger, health and well-being, quality education, and gender equality, with initiatives and actions for each.  

What I have in mind is inspired by global best practices and tailored to the unique needs of Seychelles: 

Empowering women to aspire to leadership roles and achieve their personal dreams, and encouraging gender-mainstreaming, responsive efforts.

Promoting healthy lifestyles and a drug-free environment to combat rising public health challenges and social ills.

Supporting sports, arts, and culture initiatives as part of overall well-being activities.

Encouraging youth leadership through mentorship and other skills upgrading initiatives.

Championing and protecting the most vulnerable group in our society – those with disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, the elderly, survivors of domestic violence and substance abuse.

I also plan to advocate for environmental stewardship and climate resilience because both contribute to the overall well-being of our people.

I have in mind a slogan – “Together, a better tomorrow”, so I can tailor initiatives that will unite citizens, institutions, organisations, and other partners in building a more compassionate, resilient, and vibrant Seychelles.

Health, Wellness, and Family Well-being — mental, emotional, and physical — is central to many of Cosmocreole’s stories. How do you maintain balance and self-care amid the demands of public life? 

For years now, I have made it a habit to do a fitness routine in the morning for at least 20 minutes before I go to work. I enjoy the “walk at home” fitness videos on YouTube and jog around my front yard or on the spot.  This not only keeps me healthy but also alert for the day ahead. I am not one who usually eats heavy meals during the day or drinks alcohol, unless it is for a dinner or special occasion.

Under the WOSITA Foundation, we introduced WOSITA Wellness Wednesdays, and I encouraged the ladies to walk with me for 30 minutes around the Victoria Stadium track, followed by 15 minutes of stretching.  

I try to make time for myself as much as possible, reading or enjoying a movie, and I spend a day at the spa every 6 weeks or so.  In the old days, I would find a spot on Beau Vallon beach, enjoy the sound of the waves whilst reading with a glass of Seypearl strawberry, tonic water, or bitter lemon nearby.  

I now wonder when I will get the opportunity to enjoy such simple bliss at the beach again, but I do intend to maintain the healthy habits.

What message would you share with young Seychellois women — especially those who may feel limited by geography and opportunity — about dreaming bigger and staying connected to their roots? 

Nelson Mandela once said, “Nothing is impossible until it is done!” If you have a skill or talent, sharpen it and make this your purpose in life. Careers and enterprises have been built on passion and persistence, adapting to new ways of doing things as businesses or careers grow.  

So find your passion, and you will find your purpose. My advice, though, is to find a niche for that passion of yours, as you don’t need to follow what’s already being done locally. If your passion takes you elsewhere and further from the Seychelles soil, see how best you can infuse tradition and culture into whatever you pursue, just to keep you grounded and give your life and whatever you are doing more meaning.  

I enjoy meeting Seychellois women with flourishing careers abroad. It proves that we are not only bound by sun, sea and sand, but rather by a determination to succeed.

How important is it, in your view, for Seychellois women’s stories to be told on both national and global platforms — and what more can be done to amplify them? 

Under the WOSITA Foundation, we have been shining a light on different women from the islands, residing in Seychelles and abroad, every week since September. It was put on hold around the elections, but we intend to continue with these features.  With a growing number of followers, it is a good platform for sharing success stories. These would be amplified around International Women’s Day or during March.  I believe that if all organisations could do the same for their employees, we would inspire the younger generation more.

Appreciating success stories on a national level through awards and incentives always increases engagement and should be a winner for nation-building. People always like to feel appreciated.

You share a public life with the President, but you also bring your own voice and vision. How do you define partnership — both in leadership and within your personal journey? 

Our marriage has been a partnership in many ways – collaborating on home projects, finding solutions to pressing issues, supporting each other in pursuing professional qualifications and career advancement, and coming together to support our children’s education.  It would not be a marriage otherwise if one cannot share or talk about consequential matters, and without love, trust and friendship.

In leadership, it is the same. Engaging with the people working for you, guiding and empowering them with empathy, holding the hands of each member of your team, enabling them (no matter their gender) to reach their full potential and contribute equally and fully to the relevant targets.  The feel-good factor it brings, knowing that everyone in your organisation with the ability has been given the opportunity to shine or grow.  I have said so many times that we should aim to“leave no one behind” in the organisations we manage.

 When you look ahead, what kind of legacy would you like your time as First Lady to leave — for Seychellois women, for the nation, and for the next generation? 

The vision that I have in mind for the Office of the First Lady is to be a compassionate, credible, and transformative force for nation-building. I want to contribute positively to nation-building and social cohesion, which is why I wholeheartedly champion gender equality. I want to make certain that I leave a good example for other women and young girls to follow, and that I am remembered in reverence rather than scorn. 

If you were to freeze one moment of your life, which would it be and why? 

The day I received my final result for the ACCA professional examinations. I went through these modules with such determination to succeed, to have a qualification that would open doors and be respected worldwide.  My husband was a medical doctor at the time and a member of parliament, the pride of his family.  So it was very important for me to have my own career path and be able to hold my own professionally.

Finally, what’s your definition of happiness? 

Happiness to me is being comfortable in your own skin and in creating your own space. No one else can bring you as much happiness as yourself. Happiness is simple pleasures. I am quite happy enjoying a good story on my Kindle, watching a movie or even baking for my family.