Kobita Jugnauth, a name synonymous with grace, determination, and empowerment, is not just the wife of Mauritius’ Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth; she is a beacon of hope and a powerful advocate for women entrepreneurs and children with special needs. Her journey, rooted in a rich heritage and shaped by her relentless pursuit of a more inclusive society, is a testament to the profound impact one can have when passion meets purpose.
Kobita Jugnauth: Early Life and Background
Born into a family that valued education and entrepreneurship, Kobita Jugnauth’s early life was shaped by her parents, Lady Ursule Jeannine Maunick and Sir Kailash Ramdanee. Her father, Sir Kailash Ramdanee, was a pioneering figure in Mauritius, founding the Mauritius Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Co. Ltd, which was instrumental in the development of the country’s pharmaceutical industry. This legacy of innovation and societal contribution was a guiding force in Kobita’s life.
Kobita completed her secondary education at Queen Elizabeth College in Mauritius, where she developed a strong foundation in academic excellence and a deep sense of social responsibility. This educational background, combined with the influence of her parents, set the stage for her future endeavors.
In 1992, Kobita Ramdanee married Pravind Jugnauth, the leader of the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) and future Prime Minister of Mauritius. Together, they have three daughters: Sonika, born in 1994, Sonali, born in 1996, and Sara. As a mother and a wife, Kobita has always balanced her familial responsibilities with her passion for social causes, making her a role model for women across the nation.
Championing Women Entrepreneurs
Kobita Jugnauth has long recognized the potential of women entrepreneurs in Mauritius. She understands that empowering women in business is not just a matter of gender equality but a critical factor in driving economic growth and societal progress. Her commitment to this cause was evident when she launched a Digital Marketplace for face-to-face and virtual business networking sessions during the Femmes Chefs d’Entreprises Mondiales (FCEM) International Conference in 2022.
The theme of the conference, “The Circular Economy – Women Entrepreneurs as the Driving Force of Change,” resonated deeply with Kobita. In her address, she emphasized that Mauritius is blessed with talented and determined women entrepreneurs who have the potential to lead the nation toward a more sustainable and inclusive economy. However, she also acknowledged the barriers that still exist and the need to remove them to unleash the full entrepreneurial capacity of women.
Under her influence, Mauritius has seen a growing awareness of the importance of adopting emerging technologies to drive efficiency, productivity, and growth in enterprises. The establishment of the Emerging Technologies Council, which advises and supports businesses on their innovation journey, is a testament to her forward-thinking approach.
Kobita has also been instrumental in advocating for access to finance for women entrepreneurs. She has highlighted various schemes, such as the Women Entrepreneur Loan Scheme, designed to provide financial support to women-led businesses. Additionally, the Mauritius SheTrades Hub project, which connects women entrepreneurs with global markets, has reached an advanced stage under her guidance.
In a rapidly digitalizing world, Kobita Jugnauth believes that women-owned enterprises can greatly benefit from adopting information and communication technologies. She encourages women to embrace digital spaces for business, ensuring that they remain competitive and secure in the ever-evolving marketplace.
Advocating for Children with Special Needs
Beyond her work in empowering women, Kobita Jugnauth is also a passionate advocate for children with special needs. Her commitment to inclusivity is reflected in her efforts to make education accessible to all children, regardless of their abilities.
On World Disability Day, Kobita Jugnauth made a heartfelt appeal for a more inclusive education system in Mauritius. She stressed the importance of compassion and love in the education of children with special needs, recognizing that their success depends not only on academic support but also on meeting their emotional and social needs.
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