President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring safe, reliable and affordable water and sanitation across every inhabited island, highlighting the issue as central to the wellbeing of women and girls.
In a message marking World Water Day, the president said that despite the Maldives being surrounded by ocean, access to freshwater remains a pressing national challenge.
He noted that water shortages disproportionately affect women and girls, who often shoulder responsibility for household water management and caregiving, particularly during supply disruptions or extreme weather events. President outlined plans to strengthen water security through investment in infrastructure, including desalination systems, as well as measures to protect the country’s limited freshwater reserves. He also pointed to the expansion of community-based initiatives such as rainwater harvesting.
The president said the government would prioritise building technical capacity and improving access to climate finance, alongside tighter regulation and better emergency preparedness to address risks such as saltwater intrusion.
A key focus of his message was the role of women in decision making. He called for greater inclusion of women in water governance, arguing that their participation is essential to building more resilient communities.
“Where water flows, equality grows,” he said.
The statement concluded with a call for coordinated action among communities, civil society groups, utilities and development partners to safeguard water resources and strengthen national systems.
World Water Day 2026 is being observed on 22 March this year under the theme “Water and Gender,” highlighting the link between equitable water access and gender equality.