The government has signed an agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to build safe shelters in the Maldives for victims of gender-based violence. The agreement was signed by Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer and Director at ADB Dr. Thiam Hee Ng.
As per the agreement, ADB will provide USD7.51 million grant and USD2.5 million in technical assistance to increase access to sustainable gender-responsive social services under the agency’s Strengthening Gender Inclusive Initiative. The project will support the government’s gender equality initiatives and establish three safe shelters for victims of gender-based violence.
The government expects to reach five milestones during the five-year project, which are improving gender-based statistical research, formulating a budget and training workers, improving social protection and reducing gender-based violence, increasing the community’s involvement in helping victims, and establishing three safe shelters.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didi said that the project aims to assist victims of gender-based violence, as well as reduce violence against women and empower them. She thanked ADB and employees in the government ministries that have provided assistance in this regard.
Also at the ceremony, Minister Ameer noted the achievements in reaching gender equality in the Maldives and said that the project will further assist in achieving gender equality and social inclusion. He also said that the establishment of the three safe shelters is only the beginning, adding that women are still victims of violence and that a culture of empowerment needs to be built to end it.