Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail has stated that a special programme has been planned to provide more opportunities for women-owned businesses. He made the remarks at the session of the third Viavathi Raajje conference focused on gender equality.
Speaking at the session, Minister Fayyaz said the government is continuing its work to economically empower women and is gathering information with women development committees (WDCs) on the business opportunities available for women in the atolls. He said that the programme will be conducted within a month, after all the data is collected. He added that the programme will be conducted in all regions with the help of WDCs and local councils.
Furthermore, Minister Fayyaz noted the policies and regulations the government has introduced to empower women and how the number of business and entrepreneurial opportunities for women are still low. Detailing the government's work to empower women, he said that SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC) has provided USD18 million in loans to women-owned businesses and that products from female entrepreneurs are marketed via Authentic Maldives outlets.
Additionally, Minister Fayyaz said that more business opportunities will be available upon the completion of the development projects that are ongoing in the atolls. He added that the expansion of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry service will also contribute economic development.