President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to introduce the 'Gender Equality Seal.' This decision, made following deliberations on a proposal presented by the Ministry of Social and Family Development during the recent Cabinet meeting, underscores the government's commitment to fostering gender equality in institutions.
The 'Gender Equality Seal' is a domestically crafted system designed to promote gender equality within institutions, addressing economic gender disparities and fostering equal opportunities in the workplace. Recognition in the form of the seal will be granted to agencies that not only identify core areas and work standards but also demonstrate successful advocacy for gender equality.
The implementation of the 'Gender Equality Seal' is poised to fortify gender equality initiatives across government agencies and private enterprises. It aims to integrate gender equality efforts at an administrative level in the Maldives, aligning with international conventions and the nationally devised Gender Equality Action Plan (2022–2026).
The essential criteria for earning the 'Gender Equality Seal' encompass five key elements. These include adopting a gender-neutral recruitment approach, formulating and enforcing policies to prevent gender discrimination and sexual harassment, establishing gender-responsive infrastructure, ensuring equal pay for equal work, and demonstrating gender equality at decision-making or management levels.
President Dr. Muizzu's 'Hafutha 14' roadmap includes the introduction of the 'Gender Equality Seal' as a pivotal measure to promote gender equality in public institutions, private enterprises, and companies.
During a press conference held today at the President's Office to discuss the outcomes of the recent Cabinet meeting, Principal Secretary to the President on Public Policy, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, conveyed that the Ministry of Social and Family Development is actively engaged in the necessary groundwork for the introduction of the 'Gender Equality Seal.'