The Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) for 2022–2026 has been approved.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih conducted a meeting with his Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday.

The decision was made at the meeting following deliberations on a paper proposed by the Ministry of Gender, Family, and Social Services.

The president was named chairman of the National Steering Committee, which will provide overall oversight, guidance, and direction and will ensure the implementation of the Gender Equality Policy drawn up under the Gender Equality Act (Law No. 18/2016).

The Gender Equality Action Plan aims to ensure gender equality by increasing women’s ability to participate equally in all state and national-level engagements.

It also carries the purpose of promoting the economic empowerment of women and ensuring equality between men and women in leadership, economic activities, justice and social well-being.

President Solih earlier revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic had obstructed the government from implementing its Strategic Action Plan (SAP) which was reprioritized into the two-year NRR inclusive of the top priority deliverables.

Going on to highlight that eradicating disparities and ensuring equal opportunities for women on the political and social fronts are significant pledges of his administration, the president stressed on the significant progress the administration has made in this endeavor over the past years.

He also stressed on the importance of welcoming the voices, opinions and perspectives of women in decision-making.