Wide disparity in income, education between atolls and Male

A wide disparity exists between the capital Male’ and the atolls, mostly in income levels and education choices, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has said in its Maldives Human Development Report 2014 released today.

According to the report, a person living in Male’ is likely to complete three years more of schooling than a person living in the atolls, largely due to the lack of higher secondary and tertiary education facilities in the islands. It also notes that the average income of a person living in Male’ is likely to be more than one and a half times as that of a person living in the atolls.

The Maldives Human Development Report 2014 was launched by Minister of Health and Gender Dr Mariyam Shakeela at an event at Ameenee Building Auditorium today. Speaking at the event, Dr Shakeela noted that Maldives has met five of the eight Millennium Development Goals ahead of the agreed timeline of 2015, and assured that the government will make every effort to meet the remaining targets.

A workshop was also held today on implementation of a framework provided in the Human Development Report, focused on equality and vulnerability that can guide the development of inclusive policies and measures for action.

The Human Development Report notes that the most influential driving factor in the Maldives is spatial setting or location and that where one is born within the Maldives determines many of the opportunities and choices available to a person.

"A second tier of vulnerability arises from income, wealth and employment status and stability. Income status determines the ability to better services through enhanced capability to move and seek quality services where they are available."

It also highlights the risk of joblessness and exposure to substance abuse and related crimes faced by young people, and notes that the elderly face health risks, neglect from families and low social status.

“Similarly, women face extreme vulnerability due to multiple risks—acutely so if they do not hold jobs and are not financially independent or are single mothers,” read the National Human Development Report.

Meemu, Faafu and Dhaalu atolls top the Human Development Index performance, followed by Gnaviyani (Fuvahmulah) and Seenu atolls (Addu City). Kaafu, Alif Alif, Alif Dhaalu and Vaavu atolls are in third place.

The 2014 report is the second Human Development Report published by UNDP in the Maldives. The first report was released in 2001.