Noting that 45% of the Maldivian workforce consisted of women, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has insisted that there be no discrimination between men and women in performing jobs, or in taking on different tasks. The President made these remarks at the inauguration of the women’s expo Heevaagi Kanbalun on Thursday.
The expo, organised under the initiative of First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim, is a platform providing Maldivian women to participate in the national productivity, empower women economically, and encourage women to share their skills and experiences with a wider scope.
Speaking at the function, the President underscored the administration’s policy to empower women. “The administration does not only advocate for the rights of women but also accords high priority to making women economically self-sufficient” he said. Noting that the administration takes various measures to empower women, the President said that the administration aims to appoint women to at least 40% of seats on boards of directors of state companies and those with majority government shares, adding that the current numbers would not be less than 20%.
“The main purpose of organising such an expo was to retain women in the production industry and to facilitate ways for women to earn a living while working from home,” the President said, reaffirming that “the Ministry of Economic Development will work with private entrepreneurs to provide markets for these products made by women.”
President Yameen also highlighted the revisions made by the administration to the national curriculum. “Such modifications were brought to avoid any child from being excluded from the education process, and later from employment opportunities,” he noted, adding that “the purpose of introducing B-Tech education to the national curriculum was to include those students who struggle in academics, and teach them practical skills by the time they finished school, and to facilitate further employment opportunities.”
The President said there were many students who sought skills development lessons within the school system, apart from book learning — currently about 20% of secondary school students were enrolled in the B-Tech stream. He also noted that students were now learning important life skills by the time they finished school.
In his speech, President Yameen praised and thanked the First Lady for her efforts in promoting women and empowering them, and for her work towards making them economically sufficient. He also encouraged her to continue in her endeavours.
Speaking at the event, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said that “President Yameen's Government will make every effort to empowering women, both socially and economically.” He noted the pivotal role of Maldivian women in the success of the country's fisheries and tourism sectors, and pledged to continue to work towards enhancing the participation of women in national development.
A total of 640 women participated in Heevaagi Kanbalun expo, which was officially opened by President Yameen. At the ceremony, the President presented prizes to overall winners of the expo, while the First Lady handed out prizes to the winners of various categories.
Amsoodha Rasheed won first place at the expo, while second and third places went to Fathimath Leena Ali. Prizes were also conferred to notable women entrepreneurs and handicraft makers from the atolls at the ceremony.
The expo being held at Dharubaaruge Convention Centre will continue through Monday.