It is good to talk about commitment of Maldives new government to gender equality and hear assessment of challenges and opportunities, says Ambassador of Canada to the Maldives, David McKinnon.

Ambassador McKinnon made this remark via a tweet on Wednesday, following a meeting with Maldives Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services, Shidhatha Shareef in New Delhi, India.

Adding that her perspective will add “a lot”, the Canadian Ambassador stated that it is an honor and pleasure that the Maldives Minister was able to join FemParl, a regional gathering of female leaders.

During the meeting the pair discussed collaboration on safeguarding women’s rights and strengthening women’s economic, social and political empowerment, revealed the Gender Ministry shortly after.

Minister Shidhatha participated at the fourth iteration of the “Regional Women Leaders' Dialogue, FemParl 4: Breaking barriers”, held from 21^st to 22^nd February, upon the invitation of Ambassador McKinnon.

Women leaders from 14 countries took place in the gathering to share personal experiences and interact with other participants to discuss evidence-based advocacy, gender-based analysis plus, leadership training and capacity building as well as best practices linked to networking.

During the dialogue, Minister Shidhatha had shared the Maldives government’s action plan to empower women, such as implementing gender equality and involving women in the sphere of politics, as well as the challenges women in Maldives currently face.