President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated the goal of the administration is to increase the number of women in executive roles. He made the statement at the first session of the third Viavathi Raajje conference held in Gan, Laamu Atoll, which was focused on gender equality.
Speaking at the session, President Solih said the government's key policy is to empower women and provide them with equal opportunities in political, economic, and social settings. The president highlighted the gender equality action plan compiled by the administration in an effort to provide equal opportunities for women in all sectors.
Furthermore, President Solih emphasised the administration's efforts thus far to achieve the goal, saying that women's involvement in decision-making had increased, with female ministers accounting for 33% of the current cabinet. He noted the male-female ratio of ambassadors in the Maldives is 50-50, and that allocating one-third of council seats to women resulted in 39.8% female representation in the island councils. He reiterated that the aim is to increase the number of women in positions of leadership and policymaking.
President Solih was joined at the session by Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didi, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof, and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Gender Jeehan Mahmood.
During the session, Gender Minister Aishath 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 Fanoalla 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.