In a powerful address at the "Maldives Travel Conference 2024 - Women's Edition," First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed reaffirmed the Government's commitment to promoting gender equality across Maldivian society.
The event, held to spotlight women's contributions and challenges in the tourism sector, served as a platform for the First Lady to outline key issues and future goals for advancing gender equality.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Madam Sajidha Mohamed emphasized that the issue of gender disparity in tourism extends beyond mere representation or numbers. She argued that these disparities are indicative of deeper, systemic problems, including inadequate work environments for women in some resorts, societal stigma against women in tourism roles, and a persistent glass ceiling that restricts women’s advancement into management positions.
The First Lady also addressed specific challenges women face in the workplace, such as the need for maternity leave and the importance of creating supportive environments that acknowledge and accommodate these needs. She condemned the practice of excluding women from employment opportunities based on concerns about their biological responsibilities, characterizing such practices as counterproductive to achieving true gender equality.
Highlighting the necessity of integrating women's voices into policy-making, Madam Sajidha Mohamed stressed the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by women in the industry and using these insights to develop effective and transformative policies.
In recognition of her advocacy and support, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO) presented the First Lady with a token of appreciation during the event. The gesture underscored her significant contributions to fostering gender equality within the tourism sector and beyond.
The event, held to spotlight women's contributions and challenges in the tourism sector, served as a platform for the First Lady to outline key issues and future goals for advancing gender equality.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Madam Sajidha Mohamed emphasized that the issue of gender disparity in tourism extends beyond mere representation or numbers. She argued that these disparities are indicative of deeper, systemic problems, including inadequate work environments for women in some resorts, societal stigma against women in tourism roles, and a persistent glass ceiling that restricts women’s advancement into management positions.
The First Lady also addressed specific challenges women face in the workplace, such as the need for maternity leave and the importance of creating supportive environments that acknowledge and accommodate these needs. She condemned the practice of excluding women from employment opportunities based on concerns about their biological responsibilities, characterizing such practices as counterproductive to achieving true gender equality.
Highlighting the necessity of integrating women's voices into policy-making, Madam Sajidha Mohamed stressed the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by women in the industry and using these insights to develop effective and transformative policies.
In recognition of her advocacy and support, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO) presented the First Lady with a token of appreciation during the event. The gesture underscored her significant contributions to fostering gender equality within the tourism sector and beyond.
