Emma Awards 2012: Five Women Selected for Their Exceptional Qualities

On this World Day of the Woman, what better reward than seeing women considered exemplary?

On the occasion of Emma Awards 2012, five women were honoured in recognition of their outstanding contribution in their spheres of activity. These women have distinguished themselves among the 15 nominees from five different categories: Arts and Culture, Social and Volunteering, Education and Research, Sport and Entrepreneurship. 
Nirveda Alleck won the award for the category Arts and Culture. It is a contemporary artist who lives and practices in Mauritius. She participated in numerous exhibitions and received many awards for his talent. 
Sheela Baguant won the award for Social & Voluntary. Responsible for the "Shelter for Women and Children in Need" at Forest-Side, it has long fought for the emancipation of women.

Aurélie Halbwachs won her the award in the Sports category. This is one of the most popular sports in Mauritius.She was elected four times Athlete of the Year.

Claudia Baider won the category of Education and Research. She is a researcher at the Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute (MSIRI) and technical officer at the herbarium of Mauritius since August 2003.

As for Nathalie Marot, she won the award for Entrepreneurship. Formulator is Infusion Vintage Soap and manufactures handmade soap for 4 years now. She says "feel much emotion and satisfaction. I always loved cosmetics, so it's an honor to be recognized for my work. "

In the were d’Ariane Cavalot de l’Estrac, editor of the Sentinel, Pr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, director of the Center for Herbal Medicine and Research, and Dr. Audrey Chui Wan Cheong, director of City Clinic .

As in any competition, the choice was not easy for the jury. "The criteria established by Bank One were professionalism, contribution to society, and that is the person for Mauritius," explains Professor Gurib-Fakim. "It was very hard to choose, because all the nominees deserve this recognition," she said.

The Minister of Gender Equality, Mireille Martin, wished to express "the will of government to promote gender equality in all segments of society."

The evening was organized by Bank One, which launched in 2008 the savings account Emma, ??for women. Dossoye Raj, director of Bank One, has also stressed "the growing role of women in the financial sector in Mauritius."