On 6 October, IBL employees were invited to a session focusing on prevention, early detection and the experiences of people affected by breast cancer. Dr Ramawad Soobrah, a surgeon specialising in breast cancer care and a consultant with Life Together, provided medical guidance and answered employees’ questions. The awareness programme continued on 7 October with free screening sessions for IBL employees, organised in partnership with Life Together.

The session also gave employees an opportunity to learn more about Le rose à nos visages – The Pink Project, a book by Séverine Martial, supported by IBL. Published by NaMMa Éditions, the book shares the stories of women affected by breast cancer in Mauritius, together with the experiences of those close to them and insights from the professionals who accompany them.

Dedicated to Caroline Tyack, IBL’s former Head of Communications, who passed away from breast cancer in 2024, the book looks at diagnosis, treatment, changes to the body, family relationships and work, as well as the process of rebuilding after treatment. Its aim is to help women affected by breast cancer feel less alone, while helping those around them better understand what they are going through.

Rosalyn Lebon, one of the women featured in Le rose à nos visages, also shared her experience with IBL employees. She spoke about how breast cancer can affect personal, family and working life, and about the importance of having the right support around you.

“Le rose à nos visages started from something very personal, but it quickly became a much broader project. I wanted to go beyond the pink ribbon and share the voices and experiences of women in Mauritius living with breast cancer. IBL’s support helped make the book possible and bring these stories of courage, resilience and hope to a wider audience,” says Séverine Martial.

For IBL, Pink October is a chance to raise awareness, encourage screening and make it easier for employees to take action when it comes to their health. “Breast cancer can affect any of us, either personally or through someone close to us. As part of Pink October, we wanted to give our team members the information they need, encourage screening and help people act earlier. Supporting Le rose à nos visages also brings an important human dimension to this initiative by sharing the experiences of women who have faced breast cancer, as well as those of the people around them. The project is especially meaningful for IBL because it pays tribute to Caroline Tyack, who was part of the IBL family and meant a lot to many of us,” says Arnaud Lagesse, Group CEO of IBL

Le rose à nos visages is available in bookshops, at My Pop Up Store and directly from NaMMa Éditions. For every copy sold, Rs 100 will be donated to associations supporting women affected by breast cancer. A number of copies will also be donated to patients and the organisations that support them, so that these testimonies can be accessible to those who may benefit from them.