Week 2 Activities & Key Contributions

This week marked a transition from orientation to active project development, with a primary focus on the initial planning and preparation for a key strategic event. FAM’s key work surrounds the idea of enabling Responsible Parenting. 

• Planning the Strategic Roundtable Event: I have begun work on an upcoming roundtable event designed to engage government officials and key stakeholders on Responsible Parenting. The event's objective is to solicit high-level feedback on FAM's goals, informing a top-down approach to social reform. My contributions this week included:
  • Presentation Preparation: I have been given the significant responsibility of presenting at this event and have commenced research and preparation for my contribution.
  • Research and National Survey: Leveraging my background as a medical student, I advocated for strengthening FAM’s position with quantitative data. After identifying that no such evidence was readily available for our presentation, I spearheaded the creation of a national survey to generate these crucial data points. This initiative will not only provide an evidence-based foundation for the roundtable but also equip FAM with a preliminary data asset for future advocacy campaigns.
  • Promotional Materials: I started to review existing promotional materials on FAM’s Facebook to identify opportunities for enhancing the organisation's visual branding, and I developed the initial invitation cards for the event.
  • Logistical Coordination: I witnessed the key logistical arrangements required for the event, including securing the Municipality of Port Louis hall as the venue. 
  • Narrative Alignment: I conducted a mock presentation for the FAM’s President to refine my narrative and ensure a comprehensive grasp of FAM’s ideology ahead of the formal event.
• Content Development for Advocacy I continued to support the creation of advocacy materials by assisting in the recording of a video testimony. This session was particularly insightful as it captured two distinct perspectives on a powerful story of parental separation and gender-based violence, enriching the narrative. My involvement provides ongoing insight into the ethical processes of gathering and utilising personal stories for impactful social change.
• High-Level Advocacy: Meeting with the Minister of Labour: I attended a significant meeting with the Minister of Labour alongside the President of FAM. The discussion centred on the systemic challenges working women face, particularly the gender inequality in the workplace that impacts parenting responsibilities. My role was to document key insights and action points from the meeting to help inform FAM's ongoing advocacy strategy.

Initial Reflections and Cultural Insights

My second week has continued to be a period of profound learning, presenting new challenges and deeper cultural insights.

• Navigating Communication Styles and Language Barriers: While English facilitates essential communication, the prevalent use of Mauritian Creole in internal meetings presents an ongoing, immersive challenge. I am actively developing my listening skills by focusing on non-verbal cues and context to follow discussions. This experience has also made me more aware of my own indirect communication style, highlighting the importance of clarity and directness to avoid miscommunication in a new cultural context.
• Deepening Cultural Immersion through Hospitality: The continued generosity and mentorship from the President of FAM and her family remain a cornerstone of my experience. Being included in personal activities, such as a family outing, offers invaluable opportunities for cultural immersion. 

In summary, I am gaining a unique, real-time perspective on the intricate, early stages of conceptualising and driving top-down social reform, which is an invaluable learning experience.