The first meeting of the National Steering Committee of the Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) 2022-2026 has been convened.

The meeting was convened by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday, at the President's Office.

The Cabinet of Ministers adopted the GEAP and constituted the steering committee on February 22 this year.

It was formed with an aim to provide oversight, guidance, and direction and ensure implementation of the GEAP drawn up under the Gender Equality Act.

President Solih, in his capacity as committee chair, inquired about the progress of implementing the GEAP since its inception.

The committee members were briefed on the efforts to implement the plan by the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services.

The gender ministry also revealed that GEAP awareness sessions were carried out for several government offices and institutions.

Further, the committee adopted the "Maldivian Gender Equality Model (MGEM)" on Sunday as well, in a bid to identify and expedite the implementation of the GEAP and the national gender equality goals.

Under the MGEM, a "Maldivian Gender Equality Index" will be formulated and "MGEM Advocates" will be designated in all government institutions and state offices.

The Maldivian Gender Equality Index will assist in the assessment and evaluation of gender parity levels in government institution.

Al government institutions and state offices are also mandated by the GEAP to implement gender equality standards set in international treaties to which the Maldives is a party, in addition to the constitution, laws and regulations.

The "MGEM Certification" was also adopted by the committee in a bid to recognize the efforts of government bodies to promote gender equality.

It also approved its plans and actions for next year.

84 government institutions and state bodies are tasked with the implementation of activities under this initiative.

Ensuring equality between men and women in leadership, economic activities, justice, and social well-being, the GEAP carries the purpose of ensuring gender equality by increasing women's ability to participate equally in all state and national-level engagements and promoting women's economic empowerment