The involvement of women in the decision-making process of councils is very important, says Deputy Mayor of the Malé City Council, Shamau Shareef.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s “Fala Surukhee” program on Thursday, Shamau stressed on the importance of ensuring gender equality which was the main cause behind reaching the decision to apportion 33 percent of council seats to women.

This is a topic, heavily debated on, said Shamau.

Shedding light on the numerous challenges women face in contesting for positions because of gender discrimination, Shamau stated that several women face defeat despite their admirable efforts in vying for positions. Out of the number of women who apply for positions, only a handful of women get elected, stressed Shamau.

Following the amendments to the Decentralization Act, Shamau stated that women will be more empowered to contest for government positions and increases their chances for election.

In addition, Shamau highlighted that women’s say in a “Jazeera” or island nation is of utmost importance.

The government had previously ensured that the decentralization of the government will lead to women empowerment and more roles for them to play in the society.