President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced decisive reforms to strengthen Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) across the Maldives, ensuring greater financial autonomy and recognition for their vital role in community empowerment.
In a significant step forward, the President declared that the government will double the budget allocation for WDCs from the current 5% of Council budgets to 10% starting with the 2026 fiscal year. This bold move underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s leadership and grassroots participation in nation-building.
At the same time, Dr Muizzu confirmed that Ramadan allowances for WDC members will no longer be deducted from the committees’ funds. Instead, these allowances will be directly covered by the Council budgets, protecting WDC finances and enabling them to dedicate more resources toward local development initiatives.
The reforms reflect President Muizzu’s broader vision of empowering women as equal partners in governance, strengthening the decentralization framework, and building resilient island communities. Observers note that this decision not only amplifies financial support but also reaffirms the central role of women in shaping the nation’s progress.
By prioritizing WDCs in the upcoming budget, the government sends a clear message: Maldivian women are at the heart of sustainable development, and their contributions will be supported with action, not rhetoric.
