Adolescents & Young People

Adolescents and young people hold the potential for profound societal transformation. Yet, in the Maldives, too many remain on the sidelines due to unemployment, limited training opportunities and societal constraints. Our mission is to dismantle these barriers, empowering youth to become effective drivers of change.

Despite their potential, many young people in the Maldives face considerable hurdles. Youth unemployment stands at 16.1%. Drug use and gang violence are increasing, and 40% of young women are not engaged in employment, education or training (NEET). For young girls, societal expectations and mobility restrictions present additional obstacles.

A group of friends - L>R: A boy standing, a girl on the back of the cycle laughing, a girl and a boy on the cycle

We strive to empower the youth and adolescents of Maldives by focusing on three core strategies:

Life Skills-Based Reproductive Health Education: The lack of knowledge about reproductive health puts young people at risk. To address this, we aim to provide life skills-based reproductive health education that equips them with the essential knowledge, attitudes and skills to make responsible decisions regarding their health, well-being and dignity.
Amplifying the Voice of the Youth: Young people are a diverse group, each with their own unique needs and challenges. By advocating for their inclusion in decision-making processes and matters that affect them, we aim to create a society that is more supportive and conducive to their development.
Focusing on Adolescent Girls: The ever-changing reproductive roles of girls require us to provide them with the necessary support and opportunities for personal growth. We strive to empower them by providing the knowledge about their bodies, health, well-being and non-traditional skillsets.

Under the umbrella of the United Nations Sustainable Development Corporation Framework, UNFPA’s 7th country program prioritizes:

Edutainment and Information: We aim to provide entertaining and informative resources about age-appropriate reproductive health topics to make learning engaging and relatable for youth.
Partnership Expansion: We strive to extend our collaborative efforts with young people, media outlets, academics, and private sector entities.
Empowerment of Adolescent Girls: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls, we commit to offering resources and opportunities aimed at their empowerment.

Empowering young minds is key to a brighter future. Take the step with us today, to shape a better tomorrow for our youth.