Discussions have been held regarding increasing women's participation in fisheries-related economic activities.
These discussions took place during a meeting held today between the Minister of Social and Family Development, Dr. Aishath Shiham, and the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam.
Senior officials from both ministries also participated in this meeting, where the main focus of discussion was empowering Maldivian women in the fisheries sector and exploring ways to increase their involvement in this field.
Sharing details of the discussion with "Keyolha", Minister Ahmed Shiyam stated that in the mariculture industry, specifically through seaweed farming projects, opportunities are currently opening up for women to gain economic benefits while remaining on their home islands. Therefore, the Minister noted that ideas were exchanged on collaborative efforts both ministries could undertake to involve women as much as possible in such projects and facilitate ways to increase the income they earn from them.
Minister Shiyam further stated that steps the two ministries could jointly take to empower women in fisheries-related economic activities and increase their participation have been identified. He added that today's meeting also included discussions on carrying out such work in the future in collaboration with councils and Women's Development Committees.
Building women's capacity in the fisheries sector—the lifeblood of Maldivians—and enabling their active participation in the field will provide an additional boost to ongoing efforts aimed at building financially self-sufficient and empowered women. With women making up half of the population, the government is giving special priority to making women economically empowered in society.
