First Lady emphasizes need to listen to females in tourism industry to form policies

First Lady Sajidha Ahmed has emphasized the importance of listening to the women in the tourism industry, understanding their challenges and transforming these insights into comprehensive policies that can bring about real change.

She made the remark while speaking at the opening ceremony of the "Maldives Travel Conference 2024 - Women's Edition."

In this regard, the First Lady said the gender disparity in tourism is not a matter of numbers or representation but rather a reflection of deeper, systemic issues such as the lack of a conducive environment for women in some resorts, the societal stigma associated with women working in these roles in addition to the persistent glass ceiling that limits women’s opportunities in management positions.

She also spoke regarding the challenges faced by women in the workplace, such as the need for maternity leave and the importance of a supportive work environment that understands these needs. In this trajectory, she said rejecting women from employment out of fear of their biological responsibilities is not only unfair but a leap away from gender equality.

Henceforth, she underscored the need to listen to women in the industry to understand their challenges for the subsequent transformation of these insights into comprehensive policies that can bring about real change.

First Lady Sajidha also affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring gender equality and gender mainstreaming in every aspect of the Maldivian society

During the opening ceremony, the First Lady was presented a token of appreciation by Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO).