President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revealed plans to propose amendment to Decentralisation Act to enable electing a certain percentage of women to local councils. The president made the remarks addressing the official ceremony held to mark International Womens' Day 2019.
Addressing the ceremony held in Mafushi in Kaafu Atoll, President Solih said women empowerment and providing equal opportunities cannot be achieved only by amending the constitution. He said the will and determination to achieve the policies made by stakeholders must be maintained if the goals must be achieved. He assured to pave way for women empowerment legally.
Moreover, President Solih said it is his personal aim to empower women in the political arena of the country, revealing as part of the efforts, an amendment will be proposed to ensure a certain amount of women are elected to councils. The president, on various platforms, has reiterated his desire to amend the Decentralisation Act.
President Solih said while 61% of the staff of civil service comprises of women, there are about 13,705 women working as civil servants. He also revealed only 39% of the civil servants are men. He further noted 35% of his cabinet are women. On conclusion, the president described empowering women is empowering the whole society.