Government’s aim is to increase the number of women in leadership roles – President

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday stated that the goal of the administration is to increase the number of women in executive roles. The President made this statement at the first session of the third Viavathi Raajje conference held in Gan Island of Laamu Atoll. The discussions of the first session were focused on gender equality.

The President, who is hosting the event, stated that the government's key policy is to empower women and provide them with equal opportunities in political, economic, and social settings. To this effect, President Solih noted the gender equality action plan compiled by the administration in an effort to provide equal opportunities for women in all sectors.

The President emphasised the administration's efforts thus far to achieve this goal, stating that women's involvement in decision-making had increased, with female ministers accounting for 33 percent of the current cabinet. He noted that the male-female ratio of ambassadors in the Maldives was 50-50, and that allocating one-third of council seats to women resulted in 39.8 percent female representation in the island councils. President Solih reiterated that the aim is to increase the number of women in positions of leadership and policymaking.

President Solih was joined by Aishath Mohamed Didi, Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services; Uz. Fayyaz Ismail, Minister of Economic Development; Ahmed Mahloof, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment; and Jeehan Mahmood, Chairperson of the Parliament Committee on Human Rights and Gender.

During the session, Aishath Mohamed Didi, the Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services, updated participants on the government's efforts to achieve gender equality in the country. The participants were also given the opportunity to discuss with the panel the issues highlighted during the "Funoala Dharubaaru," which took place prior to the conference.

Over 270 individuals are participating in the Viavathi Raajje conference, along with 107 council members and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) representatives. The upcoming session of the conference will be focused on the formulation of land use plans.