Statement by    

Ms. Khadeeja Aufiyau 

Attaché, Permanent Mission of the Maldives to the UN 
 at the General Discussion on Advancement of Rights of Women and Girls 

3 October 2023 

Thank you, Mr. Chair   

Let me begin by thanking the Secretary-General for his report on this agenda item. I am confident that his report will generate insightful discussions and debate towards the advancement and fulfillment of women’s rights. 

Mr. Chair,  

The pursuit of gender equality is not merely a noble cause, but a quintessential human right, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  

We stand here today, calling for a transformative change. Yet we often fail to fully grasp how deeply embedded the fair and equal treatment of women and girls is in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its all-encompassing goals.  

While women represent approximately 50% of the global population it is concerning that this 50% is not being adequately included nor being accounted for, when it comes to equality in terms of opportunities. It is equally concerning that humanity as a whole is being deprived of the collective benefits that gender equality stands to offer, due to these mishaps.   

Despite the positive developments that have taken place over the years, the sad reality is that it will still take a monumental effort to empower women and achieve gender equality. Our current pace dictates that it will take a staggering 257 years to achieve gender equality in the workplace and globally, over 2.7 billion women are legally restricted from having the same choice of jobs as men. We don’t need to look any further than the General Debate of the 78th session – only 21 women leaders spoke, down from 23 the previous year. The year before that – at the 76th session - it was just 18!  

It is imperative that we provide women the platform to voice their concerns and share their unique perspectives and lived experiences. It is equally important that we listen to them, and indeed be guided by their wise counsel.  

Mr. Chair,  

The Maldives in recent history has made significant strides in the advancement of the rights of women and girls both at the multilateral arena and in its national capacity. Importantly, during Maldives’ tenure as President of the 76th General Assembly under His Excellency Abdulla Shahid – the presidency of hope - there had been several key milestones achieved in mainstreaming gender equality. One of which was the establishment of the UNGA Platform of Women Leaders which brings women leaders to the forefront of discussing initiatives to continually promote a more gender-equal multilateral sphere – which has now been successively held for two consecutive years. Another pivotal moment was the establishment of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy to be marked on 24 June every year – a landmark resolution led by the Maldives and co-sponsored by 191 member States, illuminating the lived experiences of women diplomats, and fostering a space for empathy and shared understanding.    

Mr. Chair,  

Reflecting on our achievements in the national capacity, the Gender Equality Act came into force in 2016, which gave recognition to both, direct and indirect gender-based discrimination. The Act recognizes both direct and indirect gender-based discrimination and provides safeguards for women by mandating the establishment of workplace mechanisms to report cases of gender-based discrimination. The Gender Equality Act has been further reinforced by the National Gender Policy of 2019 and the subsequent adoption of the Gender Equality Action Plan in 2022. Furthermore, there have been greater incentives for women to contest for elected office, with the amendment to the Decentralisation Act that allocated 33% of island and city council seats to women. Also in 2019, the decades of sole male representation was overturned with the appointment of two women Justices to the Supreme Court a first for the Maldives.  

The Maldives has also secured gender parity among its Heads of Missions. On 21 October 2021, the Maldives successfully concluded the CEDAW Committee’s review session, reiterating the government’s firm commitment to implement and strengthen measures to end domestic violence, gender-based violence, and discrimination against women and girls and to fully meet the targets of SDG5. The amendments brought about to the Sexual Offences Act in 2021 are indicative of the government’s commitment in this regard. As for education, studies compiled by the Ministry of Education and international agencies report that girls consistently outperform boys in academic results, building foundations to promote STEM education specifically for girls and thereby, increasing employment opportunities and experience. These initiatives are the result of conscious decision-making and targeted approaches.   

Mr. Chair,  

In closing, let us remind ourselves that we must not halt or falter our momentum and our stride towards achieving a gender equal world, for that is our promised land of sustainable development - where peace and prosperity prevail for us all. Let us show our solidarity in persisting bold commitments; let us affirm solidarity in resisting futile backlash; and pursue to accomplish the advancement of the rights of women and girls, all around the world.  

I thank you all. 

Statement by

H.E. Dr. Hala Hameed, Secretary-Bilateral, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives 

at the  Third Committee General Discussion on Social Development 

28 September 2023  

Thank you, Mr. Chair,  

Let me begin by congratulating you on your election as the Chair of the Third Committee. The Maldives looks forward to working closely with you and your bureau as you execute your duties and lead the Committee’s work on social development.  

I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to the Secretary-General for his reports under this Agenda item.   

Mr. Chair,  

More than two decades ago, the leaders of the world came together at the historic World Summit for Social Development, and pledged that development should always be people-centered; and that development should envision the perceived fulfillment of the world that they live in. In essence, a firm understanding emerged, advocating that societies that undervalue the quality of life of the people who reside in them, are neither sustainable nor desirable, for the overall development of a society.  

In principle, the Summit was a notable precursor to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as it championed the societal integration of marginalised and vulnerable groups. Over the years, it has provided the impetus culminating in an expression that is synonymous with the multilateral fora of our present-day – “leave no one behind”.  

Small Island Developing States like the Maldives face a multitude of challenges in our pursuit of social development, including the challenges posed by our population size and economic capacity. Additionally, the looming threat of climate change, coupled with our geographical remoteness and dependence on narrow economic foundations further complicates our endeavors in advancing social progress. 

Amidst the numerous challenges, the current administration remains committed to fostering inclusive social development, lighting the path towards a brighter and more equitable future for all Maldivians.  

Mr. Chair, 

The Secretary-General’s report highlights the significant vulnerability to poverty, discrimination, and exploitation at work experienced by the youth, women, and persons with disabilities throughout the world. The Maldives recognizes the importance of ensuring inclusivity in our economic development as a key way to overcome inequalities.  

Young people account for over 35 percent of the Maldivian population. The Government is committed to promoting and protecting young people’s rights, including enhancing employment prospects, fostering economic opportunities, advancing education accessibility, and bolstering youth participation in decision-making processes. 

The Secretary General’s report additionally highlights the pervasive issue of unaffordable public education, and that the practice of education being treated as a commodity affordable only by the wealthy must end.  

The Government of Maldives launched a Free Education Scheme for Degree Students, providing the opportunity for all eligible students to attain their first university degree. Since its introduction 4 years ago, over 16000 students have enrolled in this scheme, while over 6000 students have completed their education. 

Mr. Chair, 

Alongside our commitment to youth and children, it is imperative that we ensure social security benefits and income security for our most vulnerable. In 2014, the Maldives introduced a National Social Health Insurance Scheme called ‘Aasandha’ to ensure affordable and accessible health care for all Maldivian nationals. During the current administration, the Scheme has been expanded to cover mental health services and to accommodate Maldivians seeking services from medical facilities abroad including in Sri Lanka, India, and Malaysia.  

Prioritizing inclusivity for underrepresented demographics, particularly those with disabilities, continues to be a priority of our Government. In January this year, a significant milestone was reached with the establishment of the National Disability Registry (NDR). This registry marks a crucial step forward in accurately identifying and categorizing the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities, including those who face psychological and intellectual challenges. 

Furthermore, in June this year, a new financial support framework for individuals with disabilities was launched, resulting in a 50 percent increase in the baseline disability allowance. 

The Maldives has achieved significant strides in the health and well-being of its people. Maternal, neonatal and child mortality have decreased significantly, and life expectancy has improved to 79 years.  

Mr. Chair,

Despite the many achievements, we must also address the various challenges. Non-Communicable Diseases are a major burden needing immediate attention, and mental health and cancers are growing concerns. Furthermore, Maldives is moving towards low fertility and an ageing population and needs better sustainable social protection planning and targeting. Social welfare spending as a share of GDP is estimated to double by 2050 due to population aging. 

The Maldives takes pride in the progress we have accomplished in promoting gender equality. However, it is also crucial to recognize that we still have a long way to go in ensuring that women are empowered socially, economically and politically in order to achieve meaningful social development.  

Mr. Chair, 

As we proceed with the 78th Session of the General Assembly, it is imperative that we actively uphold the pledges we have made to advance our collective objectives and safeguard our shared principles. The Maldives reaffirms its dedication to collaborating with the international community in the pursuit of human rights, the rule of law, and fair social progress, despite the formidable challenges before us. 

Thank you.