Figures released by the Maldives Bureau of Statistics have revealed a concerning trend: one in five young people in the Maldives are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The statistics, published on the occasion of World Population Day, indicate that 10,416 youths aged 15 to 24 fall into this category.
The data highlights a significant gender disparity, with a higher number of young women (5,672) being NEET compared to young men (4,744). Additionally, the statistics show that 34 percent of the youth population are students who have not yet reached working age, while 34.2 percent are employed and not studying. Meanwhile, 11.1 percent are balancing both work and study.
Furthermore, 14.5 percent of the youth population are children below working age who are not enrolled in school, and 5 percent are not engaged in education or employment despite being of working age.
Economic Impact and Challenges
The high rate of NEET youth poses significant economic challenges for the Maldives. A substantial portion of the potential workforce is not contributing to the economy, leading to lower overall productivity. This situation can exacerbate poverty and increase dependency on social welfare systems. Moreover, it represents a loss of potential talent and skills that could drive innovation and economic growth.
The gender disparity also indicates potential socio-economic issues, such as barriers to employment and education for young women. Addressing these barriers is crucial for achieving gender equality and empowering women to contribute to the economy.
Potential Solutions
To tackle this issue, several measures can be implemented to increase the employment rate and ensure that more young people are engaged in productive activities:
1. Enhancing Education and Vocational Training: Expanding access to quality education and vocational training programmes can equip young people with the skills needed for the job market. Emphasising STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and other in-demand skills can help bridge the gap between education and employment.
2. Promoting Gender Equality: Implementing policies that promote gender equality in education and the workplace can help reduce the gender disparity. Providing childcare support, flexible working arrangements, and targeted training programmes for women can encourage higher participation rates.
3. Youth Employment Initiatives: Developing targeted youth employment initiatives, such as internships, apprenticeships, and job placement services, can provide young people with valuable work experience and facilitate their entry into the labour market.
4. Encouraging Entrepreneurship: Supporting entrepreneurship through access to funding, mentorship, and training can empower young people to create their own job opportunities. Encouraging innovation and start-up culture can stimulate economic growth and job creation.
5. Improving Labour Market Policies: Implementing policies that encourage job creation, such as tax incentives for businesses hiring young people, can help reduce youth unemployment. Strengthening labour market regulations to protect young workers’ rights can also make employment more attractive.
The statistics released by the Maldives Bureau of Statistics, based on information from the 2022 census, illustrates the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the NEET issue. By investing in education, training, and employment opportunities, the Maldives can harness the potential of its youth population, driving economic growth and ensuring a more prosperous future for all.
