Women in Maldives: Striding ahead in the face of challenges

International Women's Day serves as a reminder of the strides women have made towards equality, while also emphasizing the need for continued investment to accelerate progress.

This year’s theme, “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress,” highlights the pivotal role of women in addressing crises in an ever-evolving global landscape.

The call to action is clear — by empowering women, we can usher in positive change and expedite the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equal world.

According to UN Women - the United Nations unit dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women - an additional USD 360 billion is required annually to achieve gender equality, highlighting the scale of investment needed.

Closing gender employment gaps alone could boost GDP per capita by a significant 20 percent, presenting a compelling economic justification as well in support of empowering women.

Moreover, acknowledging and valuing the unpaid care work women contribute to economies worldwide is essential. Women's disproportionate involvement in unpaid care work, three times more than men, highlights the need for recognizing these contributions, potentially accounting for more than 40 percent of GDP if monetized.

And yet, this care work women contribute day in, day out, even today, tends to be regarded more as a woman's inherent role than a valuable contribution towards the running of communities as it is today. Along with policy changes, a change of mindset also is long overdue.

The global perspective sets the stage for a glimpse into the role of women in the Maldives, the island nation bearing witness to remarkable strides in women empowerment and economic participation.

History and current landscape

While the Maldives has seen remarkable advancements in the status of women, traditional gender roles were deeply entrenched, silencing women in public discourse and confining them to domestic spheres. Yet, the tides of change gained momentum with increased access to education and workforce participation laying the foundation for a transformative journey.

“We've made notable strides, with more women completing their education and achieving representation across various levels of society. However, there's still significant work to be done in integrating women into the labor force, particularly within the tourism sector and in leadership roles. Currently, the bulk of caregiving still falls on women. In this context, it's crucial to promote shared responsibility for both caregiving and breadwinning between men and women to achieve true equality and to foster a more inclusive and supportive society for all” - Shadiya Ibrahim, Head of Office at United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

As of 2019, in the education sector, a remarkable 94 percent of girls and 91 percent of boys complete lower secondary education, surpassing both South Asia and the upper-middle-income nations group. This educational achievement lays a strong foundation for women's empowerment, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the workforce.

Despite these strides, challenges persist.

Workforce dynamics and leadership disparities

Statistics indicate that a lower percentage of women enter the workforce than those that engage in education.

Even then, in 2022, 65 percent of civil servants aged 20 to 49 were female, underscoring women's active participation in public service. Furthermore, 75 percent of teachers in the Maldives are women, reinforcing their influential role in shaping the future through education. However, these positive trends sharply contrast with the limited presence of women in managerial and leadership positions.

A stark gender imbalance in managerial positions persists, with only 23 percent of female representation against 77 percent occupied by males. This underrepresentation extends to the political sphere, where the Maldives' Cabinet comprises only 3 female Ministers out of 22 ministerial positions. Similarly, in the judiciary, while 30 female judges preside over courts, they are outnumbered by 154 male counterparts.

These figures underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to break down barriers and ensure secure and formal work arrangements, social protection, and safety nets for women.

"To enhance women’s inclusivity, it is important to facilitate opportunities for women to demonstrate their potential in positions of significance" - Mariya Saeed, Vice Chairperson of Society for Health Education (SHE).

Next steps for Maldives

Addressing the persistent gender gap in managerial and political positions requires targeted initiatives, including the implementation of leadership development programs that nurture the skills and confidence of women, enabling them to assume leadership roles with competence and authority.

Furthermore, collaborative efforts between the Maldivian government and international partners are crucial in prioritizing gender-responsive financing. Allocating resources towards women's empowerment is essential for fostering an environment where women can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the nation's development.

Promoting inclusive workplaces is another vital step towards gender equality. Encouraging businesses and organizations to adopt inclusive policies that promote diversity and gender equality is essential. This involves dismantling systemic barriers and biases that hinder women's advancement in the workforce, creating an environment where talent and potential are recognized regardless of gender.

Advancing gender-responsive policies is critical to addressing the unique challenges faced by women. This includes advocating for and implementing policies that provide affordable childcare facilities, support flexible working arrangements, and ensure equal pay for equal work. These measures contribute to creating a work environment that values and supports women's contributions.

Strengthening education initiatives is a fundamental component of the journey towards gender equality. Continuing to invest in education ensures equal access for girls and boys, empowering women and contributing to the development of a more skilled and diverse workforce.

Lastly, political representation plays a pivotal role in achieving gender equality. Encouraging and supporting the increased participation of women in policy making and the political process is vital. This involves striving for more equitable representation of women in decision-making bodies, ensuring diverse perspectives shape the policies that impact the nation.

In embracing these multifaceted strategies, the Maldives can pave the way for lasting change, fostering a society where women have equal opportunities, representation, and influence in all aspects of life. By investing in women, the Maldives can continue to accelerate progress, creating a society that values and leverages the full potential of all its citizens.