First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has shed light on the persistent challenges women face in the tourism sector, despite its 50-year history. Her remarks were made during the opening ceremony of the Women's Edition of the Maldives Travel Conference 2024, the first event of its kind.
In her address, First Lady Sajidha pointed out that women constitute only 5% of the tourism workforce. She emphasised that the gender disparity extends beyond mere numbers, highlighting systemic issues such as the lack of a supportive environment in some resorts, societal stigma surrounding women in these roles, and the persistent glass ceiling that hinders women’s advancement into management positions. She stressed the urgent need to address these challenges.
The First Lady also spoke about the ongoing struggles women face in the workplace, even as the tourism sector marks five decades of success. She highlighted the critical need for maternity leave and a work environment that is supportive and accommodating of women’s needs. Criticising the practice of rejecting women from employment due to concerns about their biological responsibilities, she called this a setback for gender equality. Additionally, she urged for a shift in societal perceptions of women working in resorts.
First Lady Sajidha further noted the importance of listening to the women within the sector, understanding their challenges, and translating these insights into concrete policies that can lead to meaningful change. She expressed hope that the conference would spark discussions and generate solutions to the challenges women face in tourism, noting that these efforts are vital for the well-being of future generations.