President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the goal of the current administration is to increase the number of women in executive roles.

The President made this statement at the first session of the third Viavathi Raajje conference on Sunday.

The third Viavathi Raajje Conference is being held at Gan Island of Laamu Atoll. The conference would be held from September 11-12, 2022.

The discussions of the first session were focused on gender equality.

President Solih, who is hosting the event, stated that the government's key policy is to empower women and provide them with equal opportunities in political, economic, and social settings. To this effect, President Solih noted the gender equality action plan compiled by the administration is an effort to provide equal opportunities for women in all sectors.

The President emphasized on the administration's efforts thus far to achieve this goal, stating that women's involvement in decision-making has increased, with female ministers accounting for 33 percent of the current cabinet.

He noted that the male-female ratio of ambassadors in the Maldives was 50-50, and that allocating one-third of council seats to women resulted in 39.8 percent female representation in the island councils as well.

President Solih reiterated that the aim is to increase the number of women in positions of leadership and policymaking.

President Solih was joined by Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didi, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof, and Chairperson of the Parliament Committee on Human Rights and Gender Jeehan Mahmood.

During the session, Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi updated participants on the government's efforts to achieve gender equality in the country.

Additionally participants of the session were given the opportunity to discuss with the panel the issues highlighted during the "Funoala Dharubaaru," which took place prior to the conference.

Variety of topics such as gender equality, the formulation of land-use plans, fiscal autonomy of local councils and social welfare are to be discussed during the Viavathi Raajje Conference.

Participants of this conference include city council mayors, island council presidents and presidents of Women’s Development Committees (WDC) from the southern atolls of Maldives: Dhaalu, Thaa, Laamu, Gaafu Alif, Gaafu Dhaal Atolls, Fuvahmulah City and Addu City.

The President is joined at the conference by government ministers, Parliament members of the southern atolls, policy executives from the President’s Office, and technical experts from various institutions including state-owned enterprises. Over 270 individuals will be participating in this conference, along with 107 council members and WDC representatives.