The proportion of women in leadership and frontline roles in the Maldives is increasing, according to the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
The government has increased efforts to expand the participation of women in areas where female representation has traditionally been low.
Lead Child Protection Officer at the Ministry of Social and Family Development, Aminath Rishmy Amir, said both the government and the Ministry are working to expand women’s role across politics, the economy, and society.
Rishmy noted that the government has prioritised the economic empowerment of women. Citing the start-up loan ‘Fashaa Madhadhu’, a financial initiative tailored for women, Rishmy said the programme is a remarkable example of this commitment.
She highlighted that women’s representation in leadership has seen a significant rise, increasing from 16 percent to 39 percent.
"According to statistics, the proportion of women on boards has increased from 16 percent to 39 percent. Along with these changes, the local council elections have also seen a rise in the number of women councillors,” Rishmy said.
Rishmy further revealed that the Ministry is developing a nationwide leadership skills development programme aimed at women. She also noted the importance of the Gender Equality Seal, used by agencies that set standards for gender equality in the workplace.
A Cabinet meeting held on 24 December 2023 decided to introduce the Gender Equality Seal at the national level to promote gender equality across public institutions, private businesses and companies. The initiative is a key step towards mainstreaming gender equality efforts under the Gender Equality Action Plan, in line with the Gender Equality Act.