President H.E. Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced his Administration's new policies to empower women. He made this announcement during his ongoing visit to Antigua and Barbuda to attend the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4).
Speaking at the High-level Closing Ceremony of the SIDS Global Business Network (GBN) Forum 2024, the President announced that the Government intends to launch a 6.5-million-dollar loan facility for women entrepreneurs, with 25% allocated to women with disabilities.
President Dr Muizzu articulated the need to prioritise inclusivity and empower local communities to enhance connectivity between businesses and governments. In this regard, the President emphasised the need to promote investments in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and young entrepreneurs.
The President also held a number of meetings on the sidelines with dignitaries attending the conference, to promote the interests of the Maldives and other SIDS in achieving sustainable development goals.