Radha Poonoosamy

Radhamaney Poonoosamy (Tamil: ராதா பொன்னுசாமி படையாச்சி) (née Padayachee; 18 September 1924 – 15 January 2008), was a Mauritian politician and feminist activist.

She was the first female minister in Mauritius, being appointed as minister of Women's Affairs, Prices and Consumer Protection under the government of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. Poonoosamy had made history before in 1969 by becoming the first deputy mayor appointed in Mauritian local government.

Early life and education Radha Padayachee was born into a family of Indian origin in Durban, South Africa. Growing up, she faced an increasingly restrictive set of racial segregation laws where campus discussions on civil rights and discrimination provided an opportunity for her to increase her awareness. Skyline of Durban, South Africa, where Radha Poonoosamy was born. At the university, she became engaged with student groups affiliated with the South African Indian Congress, At the time, major political reforms were sweeping through Mauritius, resulting in widened franchise She was particularly known for her interaction with families, schools, and community groups to understand their concerns and help guide improvements in local administration.

Her presence within the municipal government marked a change in expectations regarding women in leadership positions. She was appointed in a period of national change, when Mauritius was establishing new institutions and shaping its social policy in the post-independence era.

Her ministry was responsible for consumer rights, cost-of-living concerns, and policies regarding women and families. While in office, she represented Mauritius at the World Conference on Women, 1975 held in Mexico City. She ran as a candidate of the Labour Party under the banner of the Independence Party for the general election held in 1967. Poonoosamy ran for the constituency of Belle Rose and Quatre Bornes, but failed to be elected and placed fifth overall. The entire constituency was won by the Parti Mauricien Social Démocrate. She was the only female candidate fielded in the general election.

Poonoosamy made history by becoming the first woman elected to become deputy mayor of Quatre Bornes on 15 April 1969.

In 1975, Poonoosamy was elected a Member of Parliament following the death of Mohabeer Foogooa. Because by-elections were abolished at that time since 1970, Poonoosamy was chosen by the Electoral Commission to replace Foogooa.

She was appointed as Minister of Women's Affairs, Prices and Consumer Protection by Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam on 10 June 1975, becoming the country's first female minister and the inaugural minister in charge of the Ministry of Women's Affairs. Poonoosamy helped pass laws against sex discrimination.

In 1976, Poonoosamy ran for reelection as member of parliament for the constituency of Grand Baie and Poudre d'Or under the banner of Independence Party. However, she was placed sixth overall and lost the election.

Poonoosamy would be awarded the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean as a Grand Officer in 2006 in recognition of her services to the Mauritian nation.

Ministerial appointment and national leadership Poonoosamy's highest point of attainment came in 1975, when she was appointed Minister of Women's Affairs, Prices, and Consumer Protection. She became the first woman in Mauritian history to serve as a Cabinet minister.

Later life After the 1976 general election, Poonoosamy withdrew from national politics and continued to be involved in both community and educational activities pertaining to women’s affairs.