The Japanese government has agreed to collaborate with the Maldives in its efforts to empower local women.

The discussions were held at a meeting with Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Shidhatha Shareef and Japan’s Ambassador to Maldives Keiko Yanai on Thursday.

At the meeting, they discussed areas of mutual cooperation such as the empowerment of women, and protecting people with special needs.

Ambassador Yanai said that Japan takes special consideration in protecting the rights of women and giving them equal opportunities.

Minister Shidhatha said that Japan is an exemplar when it comes to supporting people with special needs and that Maldives is paying special attention to this issue and developing the necessary policies.

Highlighting that the gender ministry’s mandate has been expanded, she said that they need assistance from various fields, and added that Maldives needs to focus on its social and basic services, since the country is a small island nation.