The administration is dedicated to enhancing women's participation, empowering women entrepreneurs, and ensuring equal opportunities for their success in the economic sector, Minister of Social and Family Development, Dr Aishath Shiham, has reiterated. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the training programme titled 'Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Digital Transformation,' Minister Shiham highlighted the administration's dedication to promoting and empowering women entrepreneurs.
The programme, initiated by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, is conducted in collaboration with the Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT).
In her address, Minister Shiham underscored the administration's ongoing efforts to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs, aiming to empower more women in the business sector. The government has allocated approximately USD 6.4 million for startup business loans, with 25% of these funds designated specifically for women with disabilities, she stated.
"Our aim is to utilise digital resources to promote 100 women entrepreneurs. Today, digital technology is not a choice," Minister Shiham stated. The government also plans to provide loans to 60 women through the fund this year, Minister Shiham said, assuring that the administration is committed to providing equal opportunities for women to participate in the business and economic sectors.
The 'Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Digital Transformation' programme aims to equip women entrepreneurs in the Maldives with the mindset, knowledge, and skills needed to embrace digital transformation and succeed in the digital economy. The training programme, based on APCICT’s Women ICT Frontier Initiative, is being held from 14 to 16 December.