The Maldivian leader has urged to strengthen efforts to create an inclusive environment where women have equitable opportunities as policymakers and in leadership roles, both in the public and private sectors.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said this while speaking at the official function to mark International Women's Day (IWD 2023).

The official reception to mark the day was held at the Umar Zahir Office Building in Hulhumalé on Monday evening.

Taking the podium at the event, the president shed light on the administration’s Gender Equality Action Plan which was introduced last year.

The Gender Equality Action Plan seeks to increase the participation of girls and women in all sectors, disrupt the systematic assignment of roles influenced by gender stereotypes, and ensure equal consideration to protect the interests of men and women in the process of decision making.

He further shed light on the commendable achievements made by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company's (MTCC) in promoting and empowering the rights of women and girls, adding that guidelines are in place in all government offices and institutions that mirror the significance of ensuring equity and equality.

President Solih called on all government offices and state institutions to immediately take steps to ensure the implementation of these policies.

Speaking regarding the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day; “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, President Solih noted that it aims to celebrate the triumphs and achievements of girls and women in promoting innovative technology and digital education.

The president also assured that his administration's Strategic Action Plan (SAP) focuses on economic diversification, information, and communication technologies (ICT), as well as sub-sectors, including gender equality.

Further, he went on to touch upon the administration's efforts to empower women and highlighted its efforts through the Maldives Enhancing Employability and Resilience of Youth (MEERY) project.

Highlighting that the Solih administration introduced equal pay for men and women in sports, President Solih added that the administration also made arrangements for children under the age of two and a guardian to accompany athletes during training camps abroad.

In addition to this, he remarked that the administration is taking steps to encourage working mothers and to cease barriers to their employment.

Stressing that spaces that are child-friendly are being dedicated in government offices and institutions with some agencies having introduced flexible hours for working mothers, the Maldivian leader called for a whole-of-society approach to promote and protect women’s rights and empower them to take on leadership roles in all sectors.

The reception, which was also attended by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, Vice President Faisal Naseem, and senior officials of government offices and institutions, saw President Solih conferring Rehendhi Award 2023 to the winners.

FL Fazna also presented brooches to the award recipients.

Monday’s reception also saw VP Naseem inaugurating the "Madhadhugaaru" mobile phone application and the screening of the pilot episode of the "Amaze" video series.