The GEAP National Steering Committee holds its first meeting

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih convened on Sunday the National Steering Committee of the Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) 2022-2026 for its first meeting. The cabinet adopted the GEAP and constituted the steering committee on February 22, 2022.

The steering committee was formed to provide oversight, guidance, and direction and ensure implementation of the GEAP drawn up under the Gender Equality Act (Law No. 18/2016). The committee meeting was held at the President's Office.

As the committee chair, the President inquired about the progress of implementing the GEAP since its adoption. The Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services briefed the committee members on the efforts to implement the plan and noted that GEAP awareness sessions had been carried out for numerous government offices and institutions.

The committee adopted today the "Maldivian Gender Equality Model (MGEM)" to identify and expedite the implementation of the GEAP and the national gender equality goals. A "Maldivian Gender Equality Index" will be formulated under the MGEM, and "MGEM Advocates" will be designated in all government offices and institutions.

The "Maldivian Gender Equality Index" will help assess and evaluate the gender parity levels in government offices and institutions. The GEAP also mandates all government offices and institutions to implement gender equality standards set in international treaties to which the Maldives is a party, in addition to the Constitution and laws and regulations.

The committee also adopted the "MGEM Certification" to recognise the efforts of government offices and institutions in promoting gender equality. The committee also approved its plans and actions for next year. Eighty-four government offices and institutions are tasked with the implementation of the activities.

The GEAP intends to ensure gender equality by increasing women's ability to participate equally in all state and national-level engagements and promoting women's economic empowerment. It would also ensure equality between men and women in leadership, economic activities, justice, and social well-being.