Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday, 27th November, convened the National Steering Committee of Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) 2022-2026 for its first meeting. The cabinet adopted the GEAP and constituted the steering committee earlier on 22nd February 2022.
The steering committee was formed to provide oversight, guidance and direction and ensure implementation of the GEAP drawn up under the Gender Equality Act (Law No: 18/2016). The meeting was held at President’s Office.
As the committee chair, President Solih inquired on the progress of implementing GEAP since adoption. Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services briefed the committee on efforts to implement the plan, noted GEAP awareness sessions were carried out at several government offices and institutions.
The committee in its first meeting, adopted the “Maldivian Gender Equality Model (MGEM)” to identify and expedite implementation of GEAP and the national gender quality objectives. Through this, the “Maldivian Gender Equality Index” will be formulated, while “MGEM Advocates” will be designated in government offices and institutions.
The “Maldivian Gender Equality Index” will help assess and evaluate gender parity levels in government offices. The GEAP mandates all government bodies and institutions to implement gender equality standards set in international treaties to which Maldives is party to, in addition to the country’s Constitution.
Moreover, the committee also adopted the “MGEM Certification” in a bid to recognize efforts of government bodies in promoting gender equality. Additional to these, the committee approved its plans and actions for the following 2023 as well.