Gov to allocate MVR 100 million loan for women entrepreneurs

Minister of Social and Family Development Dr. Aishath Shiham has announced that the government intends to allocate a loan of MVR 100 million to women entrepreneurs. The aim of this initiative is to empower women and encourage them to pursue work within the business industry.

During the ceremony held to initiate the "Hiyala Weekend Market", Minister Dr. Shiham said that forging a path for women to easily build businesses by allocating an area allowing them to sell their home-made products at an affordable rent was a vow made by the President Dr. Mohamed Muizz.

She declared that accomplishing that tonight is a huge encouragement to businesswomen around the country.

"This does not only benefit women but their families as well as this is a step that indicates progression of the community as a whole, opening a new path that will lead the country to a better future and contentment," said the Minister.

She said that contentment is key in order to lead a happy and dignified life and stated that international research also indicate that a woman with a contented life contributes significantly to the happiness of their entire family.

She added that as such, the government believes that empowering women is something that needs to be done.

The Minister said that while the State has determined the MVR 100 million loans specialized for women to begin being issued shortly, they are also planning to introduce a loan that will financially aid small local businesses soon.

"In addition to this, I give my guarantee that the President will fulfil two important vows in order to determine a means to lead a fulfilled and dignified life. As such, MVR 100 million loans specially reserved for women will start being issued very soon," she said.

The Minister has implored women to make full use of this opportunity.

Hiyala Weekend Market is situated in the Hulhumale' Phase 1 container park area. This market will be open every weekend from 1600hrs to 2300hrs in the evening. It is a dedicated market area where entrepreneurs display and sell their original work, including food items, craft, jewellery and artwork.