President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated empowering more women to play major roles in society will lead the Maldives to a fully impartial and unbiased nation with equal rights and participation from men and women. He made this statement while speaking at the official ceremony to confer the Rehendhi Awards 2020-2021.
President Solih stated that the government had always aimed to promote gender equality in all areas, including the social and political arena. He highlighted his government's amendments to the Decentralisation Act, which mandated one-third of each council to be female councillors and the establishment of a Women's Development Committee with five members elected from each island.
President Solih noted the success of the endeavour and said 39.5 percent of elected councillors are female, allowing women to have a strong impact on decisions that affect their lives, livelihoods and local communities. He also said women are already playing the most significant role in national development, as women make up some 78 percent of the education sector in the Maldives. However, President Solih noted, the participation of women in national development and representation in all sectors has room for improvement. He acknowledged that there were still some barriers and difficulties hindering women from enjoying the same opportunities and benefits, not just in the Maldives, but worldwide as well.
Furthermore, President Solih acknowledged that the Rehendhi Awards was postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The president went on to note that a large number of women had taken part in the efforts to safeguard the nation from COVID-19, with several women spearheading the recovery efforts and vaccination drives.
He highlighted the work of Director-General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakuru, and Dr. Nazla Rafeeq and Dr. Nazla Musthafa, stating that there are numerous other women who had played prominent parts in the efforts during the pandemic and that Maldivians must show their appreciation and gratitude for their diligence.