Land sale agreement signed for development of shelter for DV victims in Hulhumale’

The land sale agreement for the development of a shelter for victims of domestic violence at Hulhumale’ has been executed between Finance Ministry, Gender Ministry and Housing Development Corporation (HDC) on Thursday.

At a ceremony held at HDC, the agreement was signed by Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer, Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi and HDC’s Managing Director Suhail Ahmed.

The domestic violence shelter being developed at Hulhumale’ is a component of ‘Strengthening Gender Inclusive Initiatives Project’ initiated by Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the Maldives, implemented by the Gender Ministry.

It is a five-year project aimed at increasing access to sustainable gender responsive social services. The domestic violence shelter at Hulhumale’ is one of three such shelters that will be developed under the project. The remaining two shelters will be located at Addu City and Ungoofaaru.

ADB will be providing technical expertise and financial assistance in the development of the shelters.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi said that the shelters developed under this project would be high-quality facilities that provides complete assistance victims of domestic violence. In this regard, the facilities would not only provide temporary shelter and basic necessities to the victims of domestic violence but they would also have access to psychosocial and legal support.