Country Briefing Paper: Women in the Republic of Maldives

Abstract

The Maldives was a relatively secluded, politically neutral nation until the European tourist companies discovered it in the 1970s. Since then the actions and achievements of a relatively stable and open-minded Government and an expanding private sector have been bold and impressive. The nation now faces a challenge to preserve its natural wealth and strengths of the island culture and orient development initiatives to benefit the poor, particularly those on the far-off islands. Simultaneously, there is a need to take stock and address the fast emerging inequities in access to higher education, employment, and decision making that are reversing the positive traditional status of Maldivian women. Particular attention to gender concerns is now a development imperative for Maldives and it demands that the tradition of bold actions be repeated.