The International Women’s Day celebrated March 8th provided an apt platform for Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS) to demonstrate their commitment to supporting women in Seychelles. With various activities and meaningful gestures planned, last Saturday, as well as the days which followed, proved memorable and worthwhile for women. Firstly, best new artist for the Vibes Cable Tunes 2013, Regie, joined the team at CWS to make a video for his track ‘Fanm Seselwa’ (Cable Tunes ID: 7309) which was released exclusively on the CWS Facebook page on Saturday. According to Regie the song is dedicated to the many women in his life whom he respects and whose strength, which he says surpasses that of a man, is an inspiration to all. Whilst filming for the video, Reggie & the CWS crew had the opportunity to learn a bit of sign language and in turn featured it in the clip to raise awareness for the deaf community of Seychelles. There was also an online game on the CWS Facebook page where anyone could guess what kind of surprise the company in collaboration with Reggie had in store for customers on Saturday 8th March (which was the release of the video clip ‘Fanm Seselwa’). Co-incidentally two women posted the closest answer and they were rewarded at a small ceremony where the artist himself gave out the second prize, which was a Smart TV Dongle and CWS’ Director of Projects Office, Mrs Babette Morel, who presented the first prize – a Lenovo tablet. The first prize winner, Rita Faure, who works at the pharmacy section of the Ministry of Health is also a fan of Regie. She says ‘this is a really good way to reward customers. There are many positive actions that can show support to different groups and this is one for sure. I just hope that other companies start doing the same.’ Second prize winner, Marie-Claude Labrosse, a social worker said she was happy to receive the gift and to be appreciated by CWS. She also had words of encouragement for women; ‘I believe that women can achieve many things, not just for others, but for themselves as long as they keep moving forward towards the goal they want to reach.’ Furthermore, women who entered the Customer Service Centre on Women’s Day were each surprised with roses, and the women at the hospice for the terminally ill in North East Point were also remembered through the same gesture. CWS also announced its support for Women in Action and Solidarity (WASO) and raised awareness for the helpline (2530707–toll free for CWS numbers) which is dedicated to helping women (as well as men and children) experiencing gender-based violence and other issues in life. Lastly, the female staff of CWS were honoured in a special issue of the company’s internal newsletter, ‘Connections’, with messages from women who are inspiring change in the community and at the work place. ‘Although it falls into a male-dominated industry, CWS is an equal opportunity organization for both genders and there is no discrimination for jobs within the company,’ states Babette Morel who is the highest female official in the company and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, risen through the ranks in this male-dominated industry. ‘Though it is not easy, considering the other responsibilities of a woman, those who are willing to work hard can progress within the organization and achieve any high level post.’ ‘Through these acts and gestures,’ says Terry Servina, PR Manager,  ‘I am convinced that we have reinforced a message that over and above our normal operations, Cable & Wireless is also dedicated to play active and significant roles in the community and give support where it is needed. We are happy that we were able to achieve so much within a week and give the women the respect and thoughtfulness they deserve.’ One can view CWS’ official Facebook page @ the following link: www.facebook.com/CableAndWirelessSeychelles . Simply ‘like’ the page to stay up to date with the company’s activities.