The Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare will provide financial support to organisations working on gender equality and related social issues.
The programme is part of an Asian Development Bank (ADB)-supported project called Strengthening Gender Inclusive Initiatives.
The grant scheme aims to provide technical advice and financial assistance to civil society organisations and local councils in launching projects developed with city and island councils, as well as Women’s Development committees, in line with the National Action Plan for Gender Equality (2022–2026) and the National Policy on Older Persons (2025–2028).
According to the ministry, funding will support projects focused on preventing domestic violence and gender-based violence, raising public awareness on these issues, increasing men’s participation in prevention efforts, improving community reporting, referral, and response systems. It will also support projects on strengthening shelters and victim support services, as well as conducting research and advocacy on violence prevention and victims’ rights, and community-based elderly care.
Grants will be offered at different levels, with up to USD 50,000 for individual organisations and up to USD 75,000 for partnership initiatives in preventing domestic violence and gender inequality. In addition, up to USD 40,000 will be provided for individual organisations and USD 60,000 for partnership programmes in elderly welfare.
The programmes will be implemented through eligible organisations, with gender-based violence projects to be conducted in Male’ City, Addu City, and Raa Atoll, while projects targeting the elderly will be held across the country.