If women are not present, we lack 50% of the contribution ...

 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. In addition, limited resources, cultural barriers and in some cases conservative religious groups combine to restrict the participation and leadership of women in society, politics and decision making. This represents a significant loss to the country as a whole when the voice and potential contribution of half its population is not fully harnessed. With the rapid changes that Maldives has been experiencing in the past years, and the resulting implications to the economic and socio-political structures of the country, it is imperative that the participation and contribution of women is ensured and valued.

The recommendations in this report include the need to promote the contributions of women, and changing societal attitudes towards women's participation and leadership. It is my sincere hope that this report provides a useful groundwork towards this end and efforts are made to uphold national and international commitments made towards supporting and empowering women of the country.

Andrew Cox UNDP Resident Representative

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UNDP Maldives - Women in Public Life - Situational Analysis/Baseline Assessment ? August 2010

Acknowledgements

This research project has benefited from the generous contributions of time of many individuals. I would like in particular to thank the many women and men in the North and South Atolls who participated in the research for sharing their insights and experiences. Your input is invaluable. I would also like to thank the staff of UNDP, Maldives and the Department of Gender, Ministry of Health and Family for their valuable contributions and support throughout the process. Finally, the many female home-based workers, professionals, women's rights advocates, parliamentarians and civil servants who are passionate in the fight for gender equality. I hope this report goes someway to supporting your efforts.

Ingrid Quinn Social Researcher & Gender Specialist

UNDP Maldives - Women in Public Life - Situational Analysis/Baseline Assessment ? August 2010

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