Gender Minister Shidhatha Shareef has met with the European Union (EU) Election Expert Mission.

The Minister met with the members of the EU mission on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed the role of women in the upcoming parliamentary elections, and government’s strategies to empower women and increase their political participation.

Minister Shidhatha noted that the number of female MPs has remained the same and is unlikely to increase in the 19^th parliament. She said that parties should provide equal opportunities for their female candidates.

The Minister emphasized the need for affirmative action and said that while the government has established a system for gender equality, they have been hindered from implementing it and making the public aware.

She also disclosed other obstacles to empowering Maldivian women to the EU mission.