New regulations allowing 6-month paid maternity leave kicks in

New regulation allowing six months of paid maternity leave and one month of paid paternity leave takes effect this Thursday, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Solih made the announcement at the official Women’s Day function at K. Maafushi this Thursday morning.

“All female civil servants will begin receiving six months of paid maternity leave starting today,” announced Solih. “And all male civil servants will begin receiving one month of paid paternity leave.”

Solih said the maternity leave will also apply to civil servants who have a child under the age of six months.

Speaking during the function, Solih said the legislative changes alone weren’t enough to empower women, and stressed the need for expansion of women’s roles in decision making level posts across all fields.

“We want greater contribution of women at high-level posts across all areas. This is what we are working for,” said Solih.

He noted that a record 35 percent of his Cabinet was made up of female ministers and the high number of women serving as ambassadors and deputy ambassadors at the foreign diplomacy service.

“This is a strong step in the effort to increase contribution of women at policy level.”

Nine women and one NGO was recognized for their exemplary service with the Rehendhi Award at this Thursday’s function.