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    Huge congratulations to Sarentha Luther on her rec Huge congratulations to Sarentha Luther on her recent selection as a 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow.The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). YALI was created in 2010. Established in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has brought nearly 5,800 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training. The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries. 
You can read Sarentha's story on Cosmocreole. A truly inspirational young Seychellois.
#mandelawashingtonfellow #youngafricanleadersinitiative  #seychellois #clinicalentrepreneur #seychelles #Cosmocreole
    To all mothers, we hear and we see you —love mak To all mothers, we hear and we see you —love makes you do it.

To the mothers of neurodiverse children, we salute you for fighting, paving the way for your children even though no one has paved the way for you.

To the mothers who have lost a child, you are heartbroken, but the way you move forward in grief is humbling and inspiring.

To the mothers of differently-abled children, tiredness is your life but you do not give up. We see your love.

To the mothers of adopted children, you are brave —giving a home, being there—loving them.

To the mothers doing it alone, your determination is noted—you are stronger than you think.

To all mothers, you are unique—accommodating and fiercely protective women because of motherhood.

If your part of the world is celebrating Mother's day - Happy Mother's Day 💐

#mothers #happymothersday  #motherhood
    They are Seychelloise...across 4 continents... the They are Seychelloise...across 4 continents... they share their Love, Life, Loss and Everything in Between. Read on Cosmocreole. Link in the bio.
#happywomensday #Seychelles #seychellois #lifecoaching #womenentrepreneurs #heritage  #writer #Cosmocreole
    I started Cosmocreole to give Seychellois women a I started Cosmocreole to give Seychellois women a platform to share their stories, connect with others and inspire each other no matter where they are in the world. I am forever grateful I did what my heart yearned because on this journey I have met ( in person and virtually) some amazing, talented and inspirational Seychellois women around the world, and that has been a real blessing.

Happy Women’s Day

Jini
Editor
    Aimée Swim by young Seychellois entrepreneur is a Aimée Swim by young Seychellois entrepreneur is an eco-conscious swimwear brand based in Seychelles. Inspired by island living, the collections evoke a sense of tropical escapism and a spirit of travel through vibrant prints and flattering designs. If you are based in Seychelles go give them your support.
#womenentrepreneurs #youngentrepreneur 
#Seychelles #ecofriendly #islandlife #supportsmallbusiness
    New month, new projects #march #spring New month, new projects
#march #spring
    I N T E R N A T I O N A L W O M E N ‘S D A Y I N T E R N A T I O N A L  W O M E N ‘S  D A Y  G I V E A W A Y 🌹 

Win a handmade Seyramics mug to kick start each day with a boost of confidence 😉

To Enter 
Go to @seyramics_studio for terms and conditions. 
Must be in seychelles 🇸🇨 

WINNER ANNOUNCED MARCH 8

“There is nothing more powerful when incredible women support and cheer for one another!“
-Marsha Parcou 

#handmadeinseychelles #seyramics #pottery #ceramicmug #seychelles #womensupportingwomen #womensday
    Nevada freshman, Seychelles born, Natasha Chetty Nevada freshman, Seychelles born, Natasha Chetty was crowned Mountain West Champion at the Mountain West Indoor Championships, bringing home the gold in the high jump with her mark of 1.76 meters, earning the seventh-best mark in Nevada school history, and a new personal record.Natasha is currently doing a degree in Business alongside her athletics at university of Nevada, Reno, USA.  Congratulations @taasha_c lo
    Seyramics is a hand-made pottery brand started by Seyramics is a hand-made pottery brand started by ceramic artist Zara Albert, who creates one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces inspired by Seychelles flora and fauna. Zara has now extended her brand to exquisite pieces of jewellery also inspired by beautiful Seychelles. Her story and journey on Cosmocreole.

#Seychelles #handmade #jewellery #womenentrepreneurs #seychelloise
    The 71st MISS UNIVERSE competition will be held in The 71st MISS UNIVERSE competition will be held in New Orleans on Saturday, January 14,2023. The highly anticipated event will feature 90 women from around the globe vying for the job of Miss Universe, through the process of personal statements, in depth interviews and various categories including evening gown & swimwear. Seychelles is being represented by Gabriella Gonthier.  The evening will culminate with the 70th Miss Universe, Harnaaz Sandhu, who brought the title back to India for the first time in twenty-one years, crowning her successor.
#missuniverseseychelles2022 #missuniverse #neworleans #Seychelles
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In her own Words- Linda Ramkalawan-First Lady of Seychelles

1 December 2020 · In: Features, In Conversation

Linda Ramkalawan is finding her feet in order to forge a path as the nation’s First Lady– stay humble and be herself in the process.

Whatever your political affiliation or background, it is easy to feel connected with Mrs Ramkalawan-articulate and intelligent, with an air of calmness when she speaks.
BY JINI GILBERT-FINNIGAN

Before the Seychelles elections in October this year, I did not know much about Mrs Ramkalawan—no surprise there, she was never in the limelight —by choice. When I heard her speak in her first televised interview, I found that I could personally relate to what she was sharing as a working mother, wife and her Christian values. It was refreshing to note her authenticity, unassuming confidence and composure, so I wanted to know a little bit more about her. Mrs Ramkalawan took some time out from her already busy life to answer my questions.

First Lady—that’s quite a title to uphold, what are the challenges you anticipate to face as the First lady?

There is no school, course or training that prepares you for the role as First Lady, hence my initial challenge is to find myself, where do I fit in, which direction do I take, where do I begin? Secondly, as a result of the country not having had a First Lady for a while, I believe there will be a lot of expectations from the people. I have to find out what these expectations are, and how to manage them. However, the one promise that I have made to myself is to remain Linda and not allow others to transform me into another character.

How are you viewing your role in the State House?

My main role is to be a support to my husband in the enormous task that he has of leading the country. I have always been by his side in the political responsibilities he has had, but that was in his role in the opposition. Now it’s a different story. The bucks stops at him, and he will need greater support and understanding.

You are a very private person, what’s your biggest fear of living your life in the public eye?

To be under scrutiny all the times, people observing what you wear, what you say, what you do, waiting for the ‘faux pas”. All this can put pressure on someone’s life, and make you lose the real you. As stated before, I want to remain me, the person I have been for over 57 years.

Cosmocreole 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 believe women should constantly share stories of their struggles, how they persevered; their failures and how they overcame these; their successes so that others may get renewed courage. Each story has a message that can ease the path for others along their own daily struggles. It is important that others can relate their own story to that of others. That’s how we are inspired and in return also inspire others. Every human story is one of courage, determination and has a lesson for us. Inspiration is not just from those with official positions, but from everyone.

Who has been your greatest inspiration in life?

I have a lot of admiration for my husband – for his determination and perseverance but the first person who inspired me was my mother. I believe that we are shaped by the environment in which we grow up, and this is where we learn our values that shape us into who we are today. I come from a family where my father was the only breadwinner with a modest income and he had alcohol issues. Life could have been harder had it not been for my mother. She made sure that her three children got the essentials as we grew up.

To me she is so many things: Financial controller – I believe she was an FC, way before I became one – she knew how to control our small budget and make ends meet. Designer – she sewed all our clothes from when we were babies to teenagers. Magician – she knew how to multiply things, a few groceries could be turned into a sumptuous meal. Clairvoyant – she possesses a good sense of discernment, she sees way beyond her nose, and those very close to her would say she has a ‘labous Kabri'(goat’s mouth-predict that bad luck to befall someone or something) as we say in creole.

She is a woman of great faith and taught us the value of prayer. She instilled in us many values such as humility, not to waste, not to covet or be jealous of others and to live in simplicity.

Do you feel that the role of women in Seychelles have changed significantly?

Our basic roles in the home have not changed significantly. What has changed is that women over the years have become more career-minded and ventured into entrepreneurship, hence have become more independent. There are more women in leadership positions and their roles are more valued. I have been really surprised at how the people of Seychelles have welcomed me as their First Lady. It looked as if they were wanting this for a long time. So, maybe, the time has come for women to step forward and take on new roles. Another event that speaks volumes is how the youngest minister in the present government, a woman, Mrs Devika Vidot was the first minister to receive the support of all members of the National Assembly. There is athirst, and women must step forward and take on new, but important roles and responsibilities.

Do you think there is gender inequality in Seychelles? What’s your opinion about gender inequality?

I believe that a lot has been done to empower women in Seychelles especially in the Public service, tourism industry, and women have freely developed their entrepreneurship skills and have become successful business leaders. Seychelles does not have the same issues as mainland Africa in terms of land ownership, access to development funds and so on. To some extent, we can say that both men and women have equal opportunities, but we still have some sectors where we see that men are predominant especially in politics. In the judiciary, we see a lot of women and we even had our first woman Chief Justice. We hear a lot of talk about empowering women, and there are concerns that we should be careful not to leave our young men and boys behind as already we are living in a matriarchal society. I was surprised to learn recently that we do not have a single organization for men that is currently active and running. Maybe the inequality is now on the side of men, and women need to encourage them!

We see, read and hear a lot about women being disrespected by men, as a mother to three boys, what kind of lessons have you instilled in them?

I guess just the fact that I am surrounded by males has taught them how to respect the female gender. They have grown up knowing the importance of showing respect to everyone and that violence is not a way to resolve conflicts. Furthermore, they observe our relationship and from there they receive lessons of compromise, understanding and the need for good communication at all times.

The First Family of Seychelles

Last year you decided to retire so that you can be more present in your son’s life, what would you say to working mothers with children, who are finding it hard to have a work-life balance?

Give the best of yourself to your work but do not overdo it – we are not indispensable. The business will go on without us. When planning your day off, at least set aside a little bit of quality time with your children. As mothers, sometimes we feel that we have to do all the chores at home, we do not ask for enough help from our partner or children. If we can get everybody to help, then we would be able to have more leisure time with the children.

You have made it clear that you are a ‘woman of faith’, in what way your faith helped you navigate through life? 

It has helped me in every way. I compare it to a child who has a father who loves and protects him, he believes that his Dad is powerful and nothing is impossible for him. He trusts in him and his father never lets him down. So he feels loved, secure and knows that whatever happens his father knows best. It does not mean he will not fall down and scrape his knees, but he knows his father is there to pick him up. I have a God who I can talk to and I know that he answers my prayers, guides and protects me. My faith is what keeps me going and I am always so thankful for my mum and others who have accompanied me as I nurtured it. Without that strong faith, I would not be the woman I am today.

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

My marriage on 4th May 1985. There was so much joy and my whole family was there.

Finally, what’s your definition of happiness?

For me, happiness is the feeling of inner peace and tranquillity, being contented and grateful for all the blessings you receive in your life. Finding pleasure in the little things in life, and not expecting too much from others. Accepting what we cannot change, and making the most of everything— seeing the positivity even in negative situations. Happiness is a choice that we have personally, it is up to us to be happy.

· In: Features, In Conversation

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