Platform launched to increase women’s participation in policy-making

The platform has been launched to incorporate women’s perspectives and recommendations into policy formulation and high-level decision-making. 

The platform was introduced during a virtual meeting attended by presidents and representatives of Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) from islands and cities across the Maldives. Participants were provided with information on gender-related concepts, relevant legal frameworks, and national issues concerning the status and wellbeing of women.

The establishment of the platform by the Ministry of Social and Family Development honors a pledge made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The President had committed to establishing a mechanism through which women’s voices would be given greater prominence in discussions on social justice and safety, with constructive feedback incorporated into national policies.

According to the Ministry, the primary purpose of the National Platform is to translate concerns identified at the atoll and city levels into an ‘Annual Women’s Policy Agenda’. The initiative is intended to ensure that solutions to issues raised by women across the country are reflected in national policies and strategic development plans.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development further stated that the platform’s central objective is to establish a participatory governance framework that connects women’s voices at the grassroots level with policy-making processes at the atoll, regional, and national levels. The initiative is intended to promote inclusive national decision-making while ensuring that gender equality remains a priority.

As part of the framework, ‘Atoll/City Women’s Policy Platforms’ will be established to bring together representatives of WDCs. In addition, the Ministry announced plans to establish a ‘National Women’s Policy Platform’ comprising representatives from the atolls, relevant government institutions, and civil society organizations.