The Maldives has secured a seat on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) for the first time, following a successful vote held in New York on 4 April 2025. The membership will cover the term 2026–2030.
The CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. The Maldives’ election to the Commission marks a milestone in its engagement with global institutions focused on human rights and development, particularly on issues affecting women and girls.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this marks the first successful candidacy for a UN body under the current administration. The Ministry stated the achievement demonstrates the Maldives’ ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment at the international level.
The Maldives joins the Commission at a time when discussions around gender equity, access to education, healthcare, and participation in political life remain at the forefront of global policy debates. Membership on the CSW will allow the Maldives to contribute more actively to shaping international frameworks and to share national experiences and challenges in promoting gender equality.
While the country has made progress in areas such as women’s representation in government and access to social services, it continues to face challenges—including disparities in political participation and employment opportunities. Observers note that participation in the CSW could serve both as a platform for advocacy and a mechanism for accountability.
The Ministry added that Maldives looks forward to collaborating with other member states on shared goals and advancing the work of the Commission in building a more inclusive and equitable future for women and girls worldwide.
