President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that the government will issue MVR 100 million in loans next month to establish women entrepreneurs.

Delivering his first presidential address at the opening of the Parliament this year, the President said the government will give a high priority to expanding businesses this year. He said that loans will be issued to small and medium enterprises.

"We will hopefully start disbursing MVR 100 million in loans to women in the business sector starting March. Of this, 25 percent will be reserved for women with disabilities," he said.

He said a sign called the “Equality Guarantee” or “Gender Equality Seal” has been introduced as part of efforts to empower women economically.

President Muizzu's promises include setting aside a separate place in Hulhumale to facilitate women to sell their homemade products, providing them with low-rent facilities, and introducing a loan scheme to empower women in business.