The Maldives is changing. With an ageing population, traditional social structures and economic roles are shifting, creating new challenges and opportunities for women. This International Women’s Day, under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” we recognize the critical role women play in this transition and call for action to ensure no one is left behind.

The Reality of Women’s Work

For many Maldivian women, work means resilience. It means waking up before sunrise to manage a small home business, or juggling domestic work with caregiving responsibilities. A large proportion of women are in the informal sector—running home business, sewing from home, or working as domestic helpers. While these jobs provide income, they lack job security, social protection, and benefits like healthcare or pension contributions.

Even in the formal workforce, women face barriers. Despite making up a majority of the civil service, their presence in leadership roles remains limited. In the tourism sector—one of the country’s biggest economic drivers—only 3% of workers are Maldivian women, reflecting persistent gender norms that discourage their participation. Retirement benefits also show inequality: while every Maldivian receives a basic pension at age 65, only 22% of retirement pension recipients and 32% of other pension recipients are women, leaving many financially vulnerable in old age.

A woman skillfully weaves thatch (Fan Vinun) in the peaceful early morning light. © UNFPA Maldives / Sikundi Corporation

The Unpaid Care Burden: A Silent Crisis

Beyond paid work, most women in the Maldives shoulder a heavier, unpaid burden—the role of caregiver. Whether looking after children, the elderly, or the sick, caregiving largely falls on women’s shoulders. As families shrink and urbanization increases, this responsibility grows heavier. Many women live in small, nuclear households, with fewer support systems, making it harder to balance work and personal time. Furthermore, one in five children are living with mother alone.

The health burden is rising too. With an ageing population, more people will need long-term care. Without better support systems, the demand will continue to fall disproportionately on women, limiting their ability to pursue careers, education, or even a few moments of rest.

Violence Against Women and Harassment at Work

While laws exist to protect women from violence, one in three women in the Maldives still report experiencing abuse at some point in their lives. Workplace harassment also remains a barrier, discouraging many women from pursuing careers in male-dominated fields. Despite increased reporting, deep-rooted social norms continue to protect perpetrators and deny justice to survivors. Laws are frequently written with gaps, contradictions, or overlaps to simplify the implementation process.

Breaking Barriers in Leadership

Women’s voices matter, yet they remain underrepresented in decision-making. In the Maldives, only three out of 93 elected parliamentarians and two out of 20 cabinet ministers are women. The lack of representation extends to business, policy-making, and private sector leadership, limiting diverse perspectives in shaping the country’s future.

An elderly woman, lost in thought, embodies the quiet strength and wisdom of a lifetime. © UNFPA Maldives / Sikundi Corporation

A Call for Action: Building a Gender-Equitable Future

To ensure a more inclusive and equitable society, the Maldives must take concrete steps, including:

• Investing in gender-responsive urban planning to create environments that support women’s health and well-being while easing their caregiving burden.
• Expanding access to affordable childcare and eldercare services to enable women’s full participation in the workforce.
• Promoting proximity housing to support intergenerational care and enhance women’s economic and social well-being.
• Strengthening social protection policies to support women in both formal and informal employment.
• Addressing workplace discrimination through policies that ensure equal pay, prevent harassment, and create pathways for women’s leadership.

By taking these steps, the Maldives can create a society where all women—young and old—can thrive, contribute, and live with dignity. An ageing society does not mean a weaker one; with empowered women, it can mean a stronger, more resilient future for all.

References

Resort Employment in the Maldves: https://statisticsmaldives.gov.mv/an-insightful-analysis-of-resort-employment-in-the-maldives/

Statistical Yearbook 2024 https://statisticsmaldives.gov.mv/yearbook/2024/

Children in Maldives: https://statisticsmaldives.gov.mv/leave-no-one-behind-children-in-maldives/

Human Rights & Gender Review of Gender-Based Violence Related Laws in the Maldives  https://maldives.unfpa.org/en/publications/GBV-law-review-maldives