In a significant legislative move, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the 14th Amendment to the Decentralisation Act (Act No. 7/2010), aiming to enhance the role and operational capacity of Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) across the Maldives.
The People’s Majlis passed the amendment during its 6th sitting of the first session of the 2025 parliamentary term on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. This government-proposed amendment seeks to delineate WDC responsibilities, bolster their operational frameworks, and establish structured mechanisms for administrative support.
A notable feature of the amendment is the introduction of a Ramadan allowance for WDC members. Members not receiving such an allowance under other laws will now be entitled to MVR 3,000 before the commencement of each Ramadan. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to acknowledging the contributions of WDC members to community development.
The amendment also addresses funding challenges by introducing clear procedures for allocating government grants to councils, ensuring that WDCs have access to essential resources, training, and facilities. It reinforces the roles of local councils and the Local Government Authority (LGA) in supporting these committees.
President Muizzu’s ratification of this amendment fulfills a promise made in December 2024 to ensure that all WDC members receive appropriate remuneration and allowances. Following its ratification, the amendment has been published in the Government Gazette and will come into effect accordingly.
This legislative development is a significant step toward empowering women at the grassroots level, promoting gender equality, and enhancing community development across the nation.
