Locations
As part of the support to increase women’s participation in the political sphere, UNDP has started its Women’s Leadership Training programme for the upcoming Local Council Elections. Targeting north, central and south of Maldives, the first programme of the series was conducted in Kulhudhuffushi City from 29 February to 3 March which provided the opportunity for female candidates contesting for Local Councils and Women’s Development Committees (WDC) in the upcoming elections. This programme brought in a total of 108 candidates from Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani Atolls.
The training programme provides knowledge and skill building sessions on understanding the recent amendments to the Decentralization Act, the roles and responsibilities of both local councils and WDCs, the quota system, along with communication, conflict resolution and leadership sessions among others.
Second batch of trainings for candidates from Kaafu Atoll, Alif Alif, Alif Dhaal and Vaavu Atoll is planned from 10-12 March in Male’. Additionally for Thaa and Laamu Atoll candidates a training is scheduled the following week.
The women’s leadership training programs are supported by the generous support of the Governments of Australia and the United Kingdom.
