Maldives' Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has cautioned against particular gift-types ahead of the International Women's Day celebrations.
International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8 of every year.
In a circular signed by the ministry's State Minister Ms. Zifleen Hassan, and circulated across all public sector offices, the ministry advised against giving specific types of gifts to women in commemoration of Women's Day.
According to the ministry, the aim is to disassociate specific types of gifts from being normalized as "gender-specific".
In a bid to promote more inclusiveness, the ministry has cautioned other public institutions, ministries, and agencies against celebratory activities that include;
- red carpet entries
- flower bouquets
- rose bouquets
- chocolates
Additionally, the ministry further advised against gifting items that have been viewed as "gender-specific" such as kitchen utensils and cleaning apparatuses such as mops, brooms, and other similar items.
The circular also advised against usage of colors that have been predominantly associated with women than men; such as yellow, pink, or purple.
The ministry's caution comes in a bid to promote the "Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow" slogan and to achieve it as well.
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