Practice Parliament for Women Programme, 6th in the Series Concludes
February 25, 2024
Led by the People’s Majlis (Parliament of the Maldives), together with new partner the Ministry of Social and Family Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Maldives, and with the generous support of the Australian High Commission in the Maldives, we proudly announce the successful conclusion of the 6th series of the Practice Parliament for Women Programme.
The closing event, attended by Excellency David Jessup, High Commissioner of Australia to the Maldives, Member of Parliament Honorable Eva Abdulla, Minister of State Aminath Hussain Shareef, and Deputy Resident Representative Pek Chuan Gan together with programme participants and invited guests, marks the significant strides UNDP and partners have been making in advancing women's participation and leadership in governance structures.
With the conclusion of the most recent session, Practice Parliament for Women Programme marks the 6th in the series. Throughout the programme, 109 women from diverse sectors and backgrounds engaged in rigorous training, gaining invaluable insights into key policy issues, democratic processes, and gender dynamics. The programme empowered participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to navigate the complexities of political life, a culmination of which sees 4 participants competing in the upcoming Parliamentary Elections, with several participants also having actively participated in party primaries, underscoring the impact of the Practice Parliament for Women Programme in fostering women's active engagement in political processes.
Aligned with national development aspirations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), women's equal participation in political and public life is paramount to achieving inclusive and sustainable development. As long-standing partners, the Australian High Commission, the People’s Majlis, and UNDP reaffirm their unwavering commitment to advancing gender-responsive governance and transformative leadership.
"It is wonderful to see the strong appetite and support for the [Practice Parliament] program, and indeed, initiatives in Maldives that promote gender equality [...] Australia's development assistance globally, including in Maldives, will strongly take account of women’s perspectives, their voices and actively encourage their participation," said His Excellency David Jessup, Australian High Commissioner to the Republic of Maldives, speaking at the closing ceremony.
“UNDP remains committed to support in creating a political landscape that embraces diversity and potential,” said Pek Chuan Gan, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Maldives, who extended heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates of the Practice Parliament for Women Programme, and concluded by stating “Your journey inspires us all, and we remain committed to supporting your continued growth, resilience, and impactful leadership.”