The symposium on women’s political participation, initiated by local anti-corruption NGO Transparency Maldives in participation with UN Development Programme in the Maldives (UNDP), has concluded.

While it began on Sunday morning for a period of two days, it ended on Monday afternoon.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, TM’s Executive Director expressed disappointment with many institutions not having taken part in the sessions.

The sessions held in Hotel Jen in capital city Malé, focused on better understanding the distinctions of challenges women face in politics and explore methods to overcome these challenges as well as to commit to goals to address gender imbalances in power and to increase women’s political participation.

The symposium was attended by government stakeholders, political parties, civil society as well as activists and was honored by Minister of Gender, Family and Social Service, Shidhatha Shareef on Sunday.

Discussions were held on ways through which women can strive forward to get more involved in political matters.

Minister Shidhatha had stressed on the manner in which women are excluded from important decisions for the society, which raises questions as women were in the front ranks during the most politically-frenzied days the country has observed.

The Minister had assured that she will do her best to implement the decisions reached through the symposium.

The second day’s sessions focused on tackling gender stereotypes through the creation of women friendly communities and reforming the education system.