Thirty-five women from across the northern atolls of the Maldives have successfully completed the pilot run of the ‘Isvaaru – Women in Local Governance’ programme in Kulhudhuffushi City, a seven-day training initiative aimed at building the capacity of aspiring female leaders to engage in inclusive, gender-responsive local governance.
The programme, conducted from 24 to 30 April, was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Local Government Authority (LGA), and Kulhudhuffushi City Council, with support from the Government of the United Kingdom. Participants hailed from Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, and Noonu Atolls, and took part in sessions that covered decentralisation frameworks, gender equality, campaign strategies, participatory governance, and disability inclusion.
The Isvaaru training incorporated both theory and practical learning. Participants engaged in mock town hall consultations, visits to council offices, and hands-on policy exercises. The programme’s experiential format was based on findings from a 2024 assessment of gender dynamics in local governance, which highlighted ongoing barriers to women’s participation in decision-making processes at the community level.
“It has been an incredible opportunity to learn and grow alongside so many inspiring women,” said Nahuza Hassan, one of the participants from Kulhudhuffushi, reflecting on how the programme equipped her with the skills to contest for public office.
The initiative also had the support of local leadership. Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi City Council, Mohamed Athif, described the programme as a “powerful movement to uplift and empower women into leadership roles.” Participants left with individual one-year political action plans, as well as a mock development plan tailored for Kulhudhuffushi City.
Yasmin Rasheed, Assistant Resident Representative at UNDP Maldives, noted that while progress has been made, there remains much to do to ensure women’s meaningful representation. “We hope that the knowledge and connections forged here continue on with pride and purpose,” she said.
The Isvaaru programme contributes to the broader goals of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and is part of UNDP Maldives’ ongoing efforts to promote inclusive and accountable local governance.
