⚖️ TOP Equal Opportunity Policy: Equality Is Not a Favour. It Is a Right.
In a modern, just Mauritius, opportunity must be based on merit, not privilege, and discrimination must be dismantled – not tolerated. Yet, in practice, systemic bias, nepotism, exclusion, and political influence continue to rob citizens of their dignity and chances.
TOP – Together Our People believes that every Mauritian—regardless of class, caste, gender, ethnicity, disability, age, region, religion or political affiliation—must be empowered equally.
This policy proposes a revolution in fairness, by strengthening institutions, empowering citizens, and ensuring accountability from the top.
🏛️ 1. Strengthening the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC)
- Amend the Constitution to make the EOC a fully independent institution, with its Chairperson appointed by Parliament, not the Prime Minister’s Office.
- Ensure multi-sectoral representation on the Commission (including civil society, academia, and minority groups).
- Mandate the EOC to publish annual reports directly to the National Assembly with action points and budgetary accountability.
🕊️ 2. Expand the Legal Mandate of the EOC
- Empower the Commission with quasi-judicial powers to fine, recommend prosecution, and demand compliance within a statutory deadline.
- Extend its coverage to political party structures, public appointments, scholarship boards, housing allocation, and state land leases.
- Make it compulsory for all public and parastatal bodies to submit annual compliance reports to the EOC.
🧑⚖️ 3. Fast-Track Equal Opportunity Tribunals
- Set up Regional Equal Opportunity Tribunals, with independent judges, for faster resolution of discrimination and bias cases.
- Allow for class action complaints by underrepresented communities.
- Guarantee free legal aid and protection to whistleblowers and complainants.
💼 4. Equal Access to Employment & Promotions
- Introduce blind recruitment practices in government and parastatal bodies to eliminate bias.
- Enforce mandatory diversity targets and audits in senior management across the public sector.
- Create affirmative access pathways for women, people with disabilities, and youth in entrepreneurship schemes.
📚 5. Education Equity for All
- Ensure equal distribution of scholarships, bursaries and school infrastructure in underserved areas.
- Audit and reform state college admissions and teacher postings to remove hidden disparities.
- Promote inclusive curriculum and training on equality in teacher education and civil service induction.
🛠️ 6. Launch a National “Fair Mauritius” Charter
- All public and private institutions to sign a binding Charter of Equality with annual reviews by the EOC.
- Conduct public awareness campaigns in Creole and other national languages about citizens’ rights under the Equal Opportunities Act.
- Declare National Equal Opportunity Week with community forums, debates, and policy feedback platforms.
🗣️ 7. People-Centered Equality Governance
- Introduce Equal Opportunity Ombudspersons in each district to register complaints and mediate.
- Establish a Standing Parliamentary Committee on Equality, with televised hearings and community representation.
- Require declarations of diversity compliance from all Ministers, CEOs of public bodies, and electoral candidates.
🤝 “When We All Rise, The Nation Rises.”
TOP will not rest until opportunity is not defined by connections but by capability.
By reforming the EOC and restoring its independence, we will protect the everyday Mauritian from invisible ceilings and silent exclusions.
Together Our People. One Law, One Chance, One Standard for All.
