Malé, Maldives – As the Maldives undergoes demographic and economic changes, UNFPA Maldives highlights the challenges women face in a rapidly evolving society.

Many Maldivian women work in the informal sector, juggling small businesses and caregiving without job security or social protection. Even in the formal workforce, gender disparities persist—women dominate the civil service but hold few leadership roles. In the tourism sector, only 3% of workers are Maldivian women. Retirement benefits also reflect inequality, leaving many women financially vulnerable in old age.

Beyond employment, women shoulder an unpaid caregiving burden, particularly as the ageing population grows. One in five children live with their mother alone, further increasing responsibilities. Additionally, one in three Maldivian women have faced violence, while workplace harassment remains a barrier to career advancement.

With only three female parliamentarians and two female cabinet ministers, women’s voices remain underrepresented in leadership. UNFPA calls for action, urging investments in childcare, eldercare, workplace protections, and policies that promote gender equality.

An ageing society doesn’t have to be a weaker one—by empowering women, the Maldives can build a stronger, more resilient future for all.

For more details, visit: [https://maldives.unfpa.org/en/news/women-heart-ageing-society]