Economic empowerment of women is one of the government’s top priorities, according to Social and Family Development Minister Aishath Shiham.

Speaking at the launch of the training programme Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through Digital Transformation, held in collaboration with UN ESCAP’s Asian and Pacific Training Centre for ICT for Development (APCICT), the minister emphasised the crucial role of women in driving societal and economic growth.

“Women’s development is the growth of families,” said Minister Shiham. “As families grow, society will grow, and the economy will grow.”

The minister highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the government to create opportunities for women in various projects. Significant progress has been made in providing financial assistance to support women-led enterprises, with new programmes specifically designed to address their needs.

One of these initiatives is Start Madad, a women-centric loan scheme launched by the Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC). Notably, 25 percent of the scheme’s allocation has been reserved for differently-abled women, further ensuring inclusivity in economic empowerment efforts.

The training programme aims to equip women entrepreneurs with digital skills, enabling them to navigate and succeed in an increasingly technology-driven economy. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development by empowering women through targeted support and innovative solutions.

With these ongoing efforts, the government seeks to enhance the role of women as key contributors to the nation's economic and social progress.