President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated the government believes in equal opportunities for women across all sectors of the society. He made the statement in a video message on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
In his message, the President said the government believes in enhancing the role of women at top positions and their participation in decision making. In this regard, he said the government had ratified its amendments to the decentralisation act which paves way for broader participation from women in governance. He noted the monumental reform ensures the allocation of one third of local council seats to women.
Speaking further, the President expressed his delight as these goals are now being realized with the upcoming local council elections proposed to be held on the April 10, 2021. President Solih said the amendment will ensure the active participation of women in the governance of administrative divisions of the local councils.
President Solih further stated assisting women entrepreneurs to succeed by facilitating loans to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) run by women, is an important pledge by the administration. He added the government also strives toward, securing adequate finances to support efforts to abolish discriminatory social norms and working towards the betterment of women are equally important.
President Solih said even as the country celebrates the role of women in the society, there is still much to do in the sphere of ensuring gender equality. He said the government will continue to enhance its efforts towards increasing the participation of women within the civil service.