Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didi has revealed most of the financial assistance provided by the government amid the COVID-19 pandemic was provided for the youth.
Speaking at a press conference held at National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi said while the ministry mainly focuses on helping vulnerable people in need of special assistance, the ministry had also conducted a wide range of efforts for the social protection of the general public amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The minister said assistance was provided for individuals who were dismissed from their jobs, sent on no-pay leaves or had their wages reduced due to COVID-19. She noted USD 376,600 was disbursed to 1,450 individuals as income support allowance, while over 300 people were provided assistance in paying rent and other essential expenses.
The gender minister said most of the financial assistance was provided to the youth, including those who had their sources of income blocked due to COVID-19 and were facing difficulties in paying rent and other essential expenses. She said a lot of young married couples have been affected by the pandemic, adding that is an area which needs further attention.
The minister highlighted the importance of identifying vulnerable people in need of special assistance among all individuals seeking assistance, noting efforts are underway to ensure coverage of all vulnerable people in the society when providing relief in such situations. She said the ministry is collaborating with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other international organisations in these efforts.
The gender minister further said discussions will be held with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment regarding the large numbers of youth requiring assistance from the government. She added the ministry has started working on a master plan for social services, as well as youth and community.