       a maternity allowance which formally varied from Rs 300 to Rs 2000 from sector to sector, has been standardized and increased to Rs 3,000 and is made equally payable in all sectors of employment. Such allowance is calculated on a prorata basis for part time workers; still birth is considered as confinement; that an employer shall not require a pregnant female worker to perform overtime, two months before her confinement; a female worker shall not be required to perform duties necessitating continuous standing; or that may be detrimental to her health and that of her baby, provided that there is a recommendation to that effect from a medical practitioner; that an employer is prohibited from giving a notice of dismissal to an employee on maternity leave or giving such notice which will expire during her maternity leave except on grounds that relate to the economic, technological, structural or similar nature affecting the employer’s activities; that an agreement shall not be terminated by an employer by reason of a worker’s absence from work during maternity leave; for a female worker, who is nursing her breastfed child, to be entitled to a daily break of one hour, or a break of half an hour twice daily with pay for the purpose of nursing the child; for a period of 6 months from the date of confinement or such longer period as may be recommended by a medical practitioner. 283. The National Women Council Bill was passed by the National Assembly in May 2016, repealing the National Women’s Council Act 1985. It came into operation on 08 March 2018. The objects of the Council according to the new Act are to – (a) (b) (c) promote women’s empowerment and gender equality; ensure and promote the active participation of women in the social, economic and political fields in order to further their overall empowerment; and provide a platform for women to voice their needs, concerns and aspirations. 284. During the period January to June 2018, the National Women’s Council (NWC) has empowered around 28,000 women through trainings and sensitization campaigns on Social, Economic and Political. PARTICIPATION IN THE POLITICAL AND DECISION MAKING PROCESS 285. The State of Mauritius has taken the necessary measures and there is in place the appropriate institutional and legal framework to achieve substantive gender equality. 116