The Seychelles government has been hailed by gender experts and activists for allowing women to play key roles in development.

The local media has also been ranked second in a study that places the Lesotho media as the one that most listens to the voices of women.

The above came to light during a two-day course in Mauritius at which Loga Virahsawmy, the Gender Links Director of the Francophone Office based in Mauritius made positive remarks about the achievements of Seychelles and other Member States, in gender empowerment.

“Seychelles leadership clearly has a political commitment in recognising the role women can play in development,” said Ms Virahsawmy (above) at the workshop at the Gold Crest Hotel.

The director said a study showed Lesotho media quotes women in 37 percent of the news items they broadcast or print, while Seychelles involves 31 percent in a situation where the region’s other media talks to only 17 percent of women in the issues they highlight.

“Women need to be listened to especially in issues involving them,” said Ms Virahsawmy.

While male editors in the southern African region predominate the media, Seychelles was said to be faring well where the percentages between men and women nearly

balance.