On Tuesday, the Maldives Parliament passed a significant bill amending the Decentralization Act, which will provide members of the Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) with a Ramadan allowance. The legislation was presented and reviewed by the Parliament’s Decentralization Committee last week, with the bill being passed with unanimous support from all 72 parliamentarians in attendance.
Sponsored by Central Machangolhi MP Ahmed Zameer, the bill not only introduces the Ramadan allowance for WDC members but also seeks to provide them with regular salaries instead of a monthly allowance. Furthermore, the amendment will enable WDC members to become eligible for various financial schemes, offering more financial stability and support for their vital work.
The passage of the bill follows a recent statement by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who, during his visit to ADh. Dhangethi, announced that WDC members would begin receiving a Ramadan allowance this year. President Muizzu acknowledged that WDC members had been treated unfairly in the past and promised to rectify this under his administration.
The bill’s passage marks a significant step toward recognizing the crucial role that WDCs play in their communities, providing support and services that help improve the lives of women and families across the Maldives. With the new amendments, WDC members will now have the financial backing they deserve as they continue their important work in local communities.
The move is widely seen as a positive shift toward greater equity and support for grassroots organizations, with the government reinforcing its commitment to women’s empowerment and community development.
