First Lady Sajidha Mohamed Reaffirms Government's Commitment to Gender Equality

News

First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed delivered a powerful message on the importance of gender equality and gender mainstreaming in Maldivian society during the opening ceremony of the Maldives Travel Conference 2024 - Women's Edition. In her address, the First Lady reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring that women have equal opportunities and support across all sectors, particularly in tourism.

Highlighting the ongoing gender disparity within the tourism industry, the First Lady emphasized that this issue extends beyond mere representation. She pointed out that the root causes lie in systemic challenges, including the lack of a conducive environment for women in some resorts, societal stigmas surrounding women working in these roles, and the persistent glass ceiling that limits their advancement into management positions.

Madam Sajidha also addressed the significant challenges faced by women in the workplace, such as the need for adequate maternity leave and the importance of a supportive work environment that recognizes and accommodates these needs. She strongly criticized the practice of rejecting women from employment due to concerns about their biological responsibilities, calling it an unjust barrier to gender equality.

The First Lady stressed the importance of listening to the voices of women in the industry, understanding their challenges, and transforming these insights into actionable policies that can bring about real change. Her remarks called for a collective effort to dismantle the barriers that hinder women's progress and to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

During the event, the First Lady was honored with a token of appreciation from the Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO), recognizing her contributions and commitment to advancing gender equality in the Maldives.

The Maldives Travel Conference 2024 - Women's Edition serves as a platform for discussing the unique challenges and opportunities for women in the tourism sector, aiming to foster greater inclusion and equity across the industry.