Program launched to increase women in tourism

A special program titled ‘Fahi Fathuruverikamah Anehenun’ was launched on Thursday; an initiative to increase the number of women working in the tourism sector.

It is a mentorship program targeted towards Maldivian women to increase the number of female workers in the tourism sector.

The program was launched during a special ceremony held at Meeruma Hotel on Thursday, attended by Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed as the chief guest.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal said the program is among the pledges of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s ‘Hafthaa 14’, or first 100-day roadmap.

“The tourism sector, both directly and indirectly benefits the job market. Last year, in 2023, the tourism sector accounted for 40 percent of the GDP,” he said.

As per the Tourism Ministry, the program is three months long.

Within these months, the students will be connected with a mentor who will prepare them for the working environment.

One of the main purposes of the program is to incept a network of women who are contributors to the tourism sector and the development of the Maldivian economy through the tourism sector.

The Ministry said the program will be held twice a year and will proceed in three phases. They are;

• Familiarization and raising awareness regarding the tourism sector
• Paving the way for a career in the tourism sector
• Presentation of certificates to students completing the program, seeking additional women for the program and repeating the first phase

Tourism Ministry said the program is targeted toward female students undertaking certificate-level, diploma and degree courses.

Participants will be taught on different areas tourism sector through this program. They will also have the opportunity to pursue their areas of interest through this program.

Mentors in the program will be workers in resorts, guesthouses and hotels.

Students and mentors interested in participating in the program has been instructed to email [email protected].