Maldives President introduces Gender Equality Seal to reward businesses that actively support women’s progress

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the introduction of the ‘Gender Equality Seal’ in the Maldives. This decision follows a thorough discussion of a proposal presented by the Ministry of Social and Family Development during the recent Cabinet meeting.

The ‘Gender Equality Seal’ is designed as a nationally developed system to actively promote gender equality within institutions. Its primary objectives are to eradicate economic gender gaps, foster equal opportunities in the workplace, and recognize and reward agencies that successfully champion gender equality.

This initiative sets forth specific criteria for obtaining the ‘Gender Equality Seal,’ including adopting a gender-neutral approach to recruitment, implementing policies to prevent gender discrimination and sexual harassment, establishing gender-responsive infrastructure, ensuring equal pay for equal work, and demonstrating gender equality at decision-making levels.

By introducing this seal, President Dr. Muizzu aims to strengthen gender equality efforts across government agencies and private companies, ensuring the mainstreaming of gender equality at an administrative level in alignment with international conventions and the nationally formulated Gender Equality Action Plan (2022–2026). The initiative is a key component of the ‘Hafutha 14’ roadmap, signifying a commitment to promoting gender equality throughout public institutions, private enterprises, and companies in the Maldives.