The Maldives has embarked on a number of policies to empower women economically including through flexible working hours in formal employment, targeted micro-loans, single mother benefits, home-based employment opportunities and day-care facilities. In a statement delivered at the Third Committee’s debate on Advancement of Women, the Maldives noted that while the country’s Constitution guarantees equality between both men and women, through the enactment of legislatures successive Governments have created a conducive environment that ensures that the principle of equality is a right that women are able to exercise in all spheres.
The Committee was told that the 2008 Employment Act guarantees maternity leave for working mothers with three-months of full pay. The Government is currently in the process of finalising the Gender Equality Bill, which would further strengthen national standards for gender equality and become consistent with the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Moreover, legislation on protection, programmes on gender mainstreaming, and efforts at better social awareness are geared towards the Maldivian women realise their dreams free from coercion or social pressure.
The statement was delivered by Zeena Mohamed Didi, Representative of the Maldives delegation to the 70th Session of the UNGA.
