Women in Public Life in the Maldives
“….If women are not present, we lack 50% of the contribution and views to govern our country..” – Male research participant, 26-50 years, South Copyright and Acknowledgments Copyright @ 2011 By the United Nations Development Programme in the Maldives UN Building, Buruzu Magu, Male’, Maldives All rights reserved. The document may, however, be freely reviewed, quoted, reproduced or translated, in part or in full, provided the source is acknowledged. The following persons contributed to the publication of this report: Lead Researcher / Author: Ingrid Quinn MA Senior Contributor: Shaliny Jaufar, Ferdinand von.habsburg Cover & Layout Designer: Ahmed Fayaz, Scorpius Technologies Pvt.Ltd “….If women are not present, we lack 50% of the contribution and views to govern our country..” – Male research participant, 26-50 years, South Foreword Maldives has made significant progress on gender equity and equality in recent years. This has been reflected in the country’s development indicators, such as high literacy rates for both men and women, and gender parity in enrolment and attainment in primary and secondary education. I believe that this has also been visible in the quality of life enjoyed by many women in the Maldives. Maldives also ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women in 1993, and has made major strides in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Nevertheless, the country still has a significant way to go in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment, particularly in the areas of participation and leadership in public life. This report on women in public life in the Maldives indicates that, while the benefits of participation of women is generally accepted, limited opportunities and information for women, and cultural barriers, restrict the choices available to them.
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