An Introduction to Fam An Mars

FAM: Fam An Mars is a not-for-profit, independent, apolitical and gender-neutral association of individuals - primarily women - with a strong focus on family welfare. Their common objective is to foster the development, promotion and maintenance of social, cultural and human values in a constantly evolving society.

Their current project aims to address critical challenges to family stability in Mauritius, including high divorce rates, insufficient family support and education, emotional trauma experienced by children during parental separations, and persistent gender inequality in parenting roles. FAM believes these issues threaten the well-being of individuals and the foundational structure of society. 

Ruqayah B. Khayrattee is a dedicated journalist and the esteemed President of FAM. Ruqayah's commitment to journalism goes beyond mere reporting; she uses it as a vehicle for social change. She has garnered recognition for her impactful work, particularly in promoting issues related to women's rights. Her dedication to empowering women has earned her accolades, including the Inspirational Women Achiever Award in June 2023 by Women Icon Award powered by American Award. Through creating FAM, she is now championing a comprehensive approach that combines education, legal reform, and community support to build healthier and more resilient families.

Week 1 Activities & Key Contributions 

My initial week was dedicated to immersion and establishing a foundational understanding of FAM’s operational ecosystem. This involved engaging with key stakeholders and observing the practical application of FAM’s mission.

• Strategic Partnership Development: I participated in a foundational meeting with the NGO Lucky Star. The discussion centred on aligning our organisational goals to explore potential collaborations for community outreach events, allowing us to maximise our collective impact.
• High-Level Advocacy: I had the opportunity to attend a meeting with the Ombudsperson for Children. In this meeting, FAM’s leadership articulated the organisation's goals and underscored the critical need for systemic support for children affected by family instability. My role was to observe and document the key takeaways for our internal strategy.

• • Build a comprehensive understanding of Fam An Mars:

• • • I reviewed key organisational and legislative documents. This research was focused on several key areas:
      • Legal & Financial Framework: Analysing relevant legislation and past budget proposals to understand FAM's operational mandates and financial history.
      • Public Perception: Reviewing key news clippings to grasp the public narrative surrounding FAM and the issues it addresses.
      • Core Philosophy: Reading the book authored by FAM's President to gain deeper insight into the organisation's guiding principles and vision.

Initial Reflections and Cultural Insights

This first week has been a profound learning experience, challenging my assumptions and broadening my perspective.

• Cultural Nuance in Practice: I am learning to navigate the subtleties of Mauritian culture, from professional greetings to communication norms. For example, building personal rapport before discussing business is essential for establishing trust.
• The Value of Adaptability: I quickly learned that project management here requires a high degree of flexibility. Plans can change rapidly, and the ability to adapt and pivot is a crucial skill that I am actively developing.
• Community Ethos and Hospitality: The generosity of the President of FAM and her family has been a firsthand introduction to Mauritian hospitality. Their willingness to provide personal guidance and travel support exceeds any professional obligation and is a clear reflection of a culture where community and care are deeply embedded values. This welcome has been instrumental in my ability to settle in so quickly and effectively.

I am confident that this experience will be transformative, equipping me with a more nuanced understanding of how grassroots organisations address complex social issues within unique cultural frameworks.