President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Monday reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to gender parity and parliamentary inclusivity, using the International Day of Parliamentarism to draw renewed attention to the enduring under-representation of women in legislative bodies, both domestically and worldwide.
In a message shared on his official X account, he described the limited presence of women in Parliament as a challenge requiring urgent attention, one that persists across national and global contexts.
“As we mark the #InternationalDayofParliamentarism, we recognize the vital role of parliaments in upholding democracy and promoting good governance,” the president said. He underscored the duty of legislatures to maintain transparency, shape effective policy, and serve the public with integrity.
That foundational responsibility, he noted, is undermined by gender imbalance. “Yet, the underrepresentation of women in parliament remains a pressing issue both globally and nationally,” he continued. Within the current 20th parliament, only three of the 93 sitting members are women, a shortfall, he said, that “requires special attention.”
“In this regard, the Maldives reaffirm its commitment to fostering gender balance and creating an inclusive environment within the parliament,” he stated. “Let us continue to uphold the principles that strengthen our parliaments and ensure they serve the people with purpose and integrity.”
The president acknowledged the limitations of the present composition, though the parliament, now operating with a supermajority held by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), is working to broaden female participation in floor debates and committee proceedings. The president offered his assurance that consistent measures would be pursued to strengthen institutional inclusivity.