UNDP Maldives is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and Goal 5 on Gender Equality remains a key focus of our work. We work with our partners to shape a future of equal participation for women in decision making bodies and the political process in Maldives. This is a necessary foundation for achieving inclusive, equitable and sustainable development for the country.

UNDP Maldives has been working with political parties to strengthen their women’s wings and create avenues for increased engagement of women in the political sphere. Under this initiative, earlier this year, we have provided training to female candidates contesting for Local Council and Women’s Development Committees.

Political parties play a key role in determining the political participation and representation of women in the political sphere. At present, while women are represented at the grassroots level, they are largely absent from decision making bodies of the parties. The power rests upon political parties to recruit and select candidates for parliament and island councils.

We have now begun work on helping to strengthen the role of women within political parties through reframing internal structures and the activities conducted by the parties. We would like to request political parties that are registered with the Elections Commission who are interested to undertake this project, to send us an email at junaina.faisal@undp.org

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Gender Equality Through Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions