In a concerted effort to foster gender equality and enhance inclusivity, the Ministry of Social and Family Development recently undertook a comprehensive gender audit of the health and judicial sectors. Supported by UNDP Maldives with the generous backing of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, the initiative aims to provide a detailed assessment of the current state of gender-related dynamics within these critical sectors.

As a pivotal part of this initiative, the Ministry conducted stakeholder workshops, spanning two days each, to present and deliberate on the findings derived from the gender audit. These workshops served as crucial forums for engaging with stakeholders, fostering discussions, and collectively shaping the path forward.

The gender audit not only sheds light on the existing disparities but also paves the way for devising targeted measures to accelerate efforts toward achieving gender equality across all facets of society. The workshops provided a platform for stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from the health and judicial sectors, to actively participate in the dialogue surrounding gender equality. Through the presentation and discussion of sector-specific findings, participants contributed to the collective understanding of challenges and opportunities for improvement.

The health sector workshop delves into the intricate nuances of gender dynamics within healthcare, addressing issues related to access, quality of care, and workforce representation. On the other hand, the judicial sector workshop explores the intricacies of gender within the legal system, including areas such as representation, access to justice, and workplace dynamics.

The outcomes of these workshops are poised to serve as valuable inputs for crafting informed policies and strategies aimed at promoting gender equality. By involving key stakeholders in the process, the Ministry ensures a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing gender-related challenges within these sectors.