President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that necessary amendments will be submitted in the first week of the next Parliament term to honour commitments made to Women's Development Committees (WDCs). He made these remarks while addressing the residents of Vaadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, during his ongoing visit to the islands in the Atoll.
In his remarks, the President revealed plans to propose amendments to the Employment Act and the Decentralisation Act when Parliament reopens. He stated that the amendments would convert current allowances given to WDC members into salaries and address challenges related to Ramadan allowances, bank loans, and maternity leave.
Explaining further, the President noted that the change was a key demand from all the Women's Development Committees he had met over the past year. He announced that amendments would ensure committee members receive Ramadan benefits starting next Ramadan, with allowances converted into a paid form similar to those of salaried employees. Furthermore, he assured that this change would not require full-time work but would align with principles already in practice.
The President acknowledged that women are the most active contributors to the development of each island, and expressed commitment to recognise their efforts. He stated that the government will offer all necessary assistance in this respect. He added that his objective is to ensure that both men and women are equally empowered and devoted to the development of their island and country, with the government working to implement this policy.
The President emphasised the government's policy of promoting women to top management positions, highlighting that the current administration would have the highest representation of women in corporate ownership and high-level roles compared to previous governments. He added that institutions previously not led by women would now have female leaders at the national level. The government remains dedicated to recognising women's contributions and creating opportunities for their advancement, he asserted.