Message from the Resident Coordinator a.i. Dr. Akjemal Magtymova
Dr. Akjemal Magtymova Resident Coordinator a.i.
I am delighted that the initial consultation on the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) with the government has been a fruitful one, paving the way for a more inclusive framework based on the needs and priorities identified by both the Government of Maldives and the UN. The initial consultation on UNDAF marks just the beginning of a comprehensive process that will generate insights from various stakeholders to deliver a result-oriented UNDAF. Relevant trainings, strategic consultations and dialogue will follow in the coming months to develop and finalize the UNDAF. Lessons learnt from the current UNDAF (2011-2015) assessed through an evaluation and a country analysis will also contribute to strengthening the new UN development framework for the Maldives. UN agencies will work closely with the Government in finalising an UNDAF that is relevant and tuned to the development needs and demands of the Maldives. These past few weeks have been a hectic time for UN agencies in Maldives. Due to structural damage, the UN Building that housed UN agencies in the Maldives for the past decade had to be vacated. All the UN agencies are currently settling into semi-permanent working arrangements. Despite the difficulty in operating from different locations, I am pleased to see that work is progressing smoothly. I thank all the staff for their patience and understanding, and investing in the valuable efforts to make people’s lives better every day. It is with great pleasure that I announce the official launch of the Low Emission Climate Resilient Development Programme (LECReD) in Laamu atoll. As the first joint initiative by UN Maldives, I expect that this Programme will be an exemplary one to set the scene for more climate resilient development projects in the future. The LECReD Programme aims to benefit he residents of the atoll and I have no dount to see community members actively involved in various stages of the Programme.
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Before I sign off, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate UN Maldives staff for the important work they are doing in various projects and programmes, and I wish them all the best in their respective endeavours.
2 LECReD Inauguration 3 Initial Consultation on UNDAF 4 Regional Consultation Meeting to Finalize SAARC Youth Charter 5 WHO Regional Director’s Visit 6 Orientation Programme for Parliament Members 7 Empowering Women, Embracing Equality 8 An Interview with UNFPA Regional Director 9 UNESCO Capacity Development Programme in Maldives 10 Final Consulatation Workshop on NHDR 12 UN Women Launches Beijing+20 Campaign
UN Maldives Unveils its ambitious LECReD Programme in Fonadhoo The United Nations in Maldives launched its ground-breaking project, the Low Emission Climate Resilient Development (LECReD) Programme in Fonadhoo, Laamu atoll on Sunday, 18 May 2014. The US$9.2 million UN Joint Programme will be implemented as a collaborative effort by UNDP, UNICEF, UNOPS, UNFPA, UN WOMEN, WHO and FAO. It is the first joint implementation programme undertaken by the UN in Maldives, and signals the adoption of a new holistic approach to address localized impacts of climate change in the Maldives. The 3-year-long pioneering initiative seeks to contribute to the United Nations Development Assistance Framework by enhancing capacities at national and local levels to support low carbon lifestyles, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in Maldives. Speaking at the official Programme launching ceremony, Minister of Environment and Energy Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim said that the LECReD Programme will play a pivotal role in shaping the future development of Laamu atoll, paving way for more climate-resilient projects in the social and economic sectors of the atoll. “At the end of the Programme, it is my wish and the wish of the UN in Maldives, to see Laamu Atoll as a benchmark for future atoll and island-level planning that is more strategic, climate-smart and evidence-based, and which will help mobilize public and private investment,� Ms. Azusa Kubota, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. said during her remarks at the ceremony.
Top: UNDP Redisent Representative a.i. Ms. Azusa Kubota delivers opening remarks at the LECReD inauguration ceremony. Bottom: Program Manager of LECReD, Mr. Mohamed Inaz explains the concept of Low Emission Climate Resilient Development.
The President of Laamu Atoll Council Mr. Yusuf Amir, in his statement, noted that it is the only atoll in Maldives to have such a programme and urged the Laamu Atoll community to make positive use of this opportunity for the development of their atoll. He also affirmed the support of the Laamu Atoll Council to all participating UN agencies in implementing the programme successfully. Following the official launching ceremony, information desks were set-up for each participating UN organizations, allowing local stakeholders and community members to reach out to focal points of UN organizations and ask questions relating to the Programme. The LECReD Programme is largely driven by the aim of addressing the challenges of climate change in Maldives through the integration of low emission climate resilient development into local planning and governance frameworks. In effect, LECReD programme will assist Laamu Atoll and its islands to realize low emission and climate resilient development by introducing LECReD issues into local level development planning and service delivery for greater community-level ownership and sustainability of programme benefits. 2 OneUNMaldives
UN and Government of Maldives Holds Initial Consultation Meeting on UNDAF Resident Coordinator a.i. Dr. Akjemal Magtymova made a presentation about the UNDAF roll-out process, providing a brief background on the United Nation’s changing role globally and its past work in the Maldives. The presentation focused on key principles of the UNDAF, coordination mechanisms and timeline and processes for the During the meeting held on April 28, 2014, senior officials UNDAF roll-out. The presentation also highlighted some from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of the key achievements of the current UNDAF as reportfrom UN Maldives discussed many areas of importance ed in the Mid-Term Review. in the UNDAF preparation. These include; the post 2015 agenda, using ICPD and other international events such During the discussion on the presentation, Dr. Magtymoas the SIDs Conference as reference points, alignment of va noted that Maldives’ graduation to a Middle Income processes between UNDAF and development of agency Country (MIC) changed terms of engagement for the country programme documents (CPD), and changes in country with UN and other donors. She highlighted the emphasis this places on cost-sharing and co-funding acagency mandates and strategic focus. tivities by Government. However, she also noted that the Foreign Secretary Dr. Ali Naseer highlighted Maldives’ ground realities are very different, and that although Maldevelopment achievements over the years and noted that dives is a MIC there are many indicators that show otheralthough there are challenges ahead Maldives is now in wise. a position to stand on its own. He noted environmental vulnerability, transition to democracy and inequalities as Participants also discussed the modalities of future some of the challenges that could derail the progress Mal- cost-sharing. Representatives from UNOPS, UNFA and UNDP also joined the discussion of the roll-out. dives have made over the past years. The United Nations in Maldives held an initial consultation meeting with the Government of Maldives on the new United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) roll-out process, endorsing the UNDAF road map with the timeline as proposed.
New Representative for UNICEF Maldives Joins Office Ms. Alice Akunga, UNICEF’s new Representative to the Maldives has joined office on March 1, 2014. Ms. Alice has long standing experience in leadership and management of programmes. She has previously worked in managerial guidance on policy direction of programme initiatives in complex national environment such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Malawi in normal programming and emergency environments/countries.
Ms. Alice Akunga UNICEF Representative
Prior to her appointment as UNICEF Representative in The Maldives, she worked as Chief of Education Programme in UNICEF, Nigeria Country Office, providing leadership and direction of the programme, with a key focus on influencing programme commitment within a broad range of projects with different donors and other development partners such as The World Bank, DFID, USAID, JICA and CSOs. She was the Educational team lead for the One UN forum and has extensive experience in working within a One UN framework. In addition, she has extensive experience of senior leadership and managerial experience in the education Sector and in managing programmes in the United Nations, the Government, private sector and the NGO community. She holds a Ph.D in Education, Kenyatta University, Kenya; a Masters Degree in Education, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaigne, USA; and a Masters Degree in Education, Kenyatta University, Kenya. 3 OneUNMaldives
Regional Consultation Meeting Finalizes SAARC Youth Charter The Maldivian government hopes to pass a crucial youth bill encompassing all areas related to young people in the coming months, Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Maleeh Jamal announced at a recent regional youth consultation meeting held in Male’. As the Minister puts it, the key legislation essential to the efforts of Youth Ministry and partners aims to ensure that the rights of young Maldivians are protected by law. Speaking at the regional consultation meeting to review and finalize the SAARC Youth Charter held in Maldives from 13-14 May 2014, the Minister said that the Maldivian government is also hoping to get the National Youth Health Strategy endorsed by the cabinet in the coming few weeks. Once adopted, the strategy drafted by the ministry in partnership with UNFPA will provide a coordinated approach to address youth health issues. UNFPA is currently partnering with the Ministry of Health to develop the National Standards for provision of youth health services and supporting the Ministry of Education to integrate Life Skills Education including pertinent adolescent health issues in the school curriculum. “Currently, the youth cohort forms 30 percent of our population and lack of youth-friendly services are a problem cited by many young people. Endorsement of a Youth Health Strategy is proof of the commitment of the Government of Maldives to prioritizing adolescents and youth in our respective national and regional development agendas as a stepping stone to ensuring sustained development and growth of our region,” said Mr. Maleeh Jamal.
Participants of the SAARC Youth Forum. Youth Leaders from all SAARC countries took part in the event held on 12 May 2014. (Photo: UNFPA)
“Investing in the youth is investing in the future. They are the leaders and decision makers of tomorrow. They are the ones to shape the destiny of our region and the world in the coming years. We need to ensure their active participation and ensure that their voices are heard,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Dunya Maumoon noted in her address at the regional consultation meeting.
During the regional consultation, representatives from governments of SAARC countries reviewed the SAARC Youth Charter and identified key priorities for the SAARC Youth Action Plan. The meeting obtained consensus on the Youth Charter and planned specific actions for cooperation in the region for 2014-2017. The SAARC Youth Charter focuses on 5 key areas of action, including, Enabling Environment, Gender Equality, Education, Employment and Health. It also provides a foundation for the development of robust national policies and plans for youth. 4 OneUNMaldives
WHO Regional Director Commends the Government of Maldives for its commitment and vision for universal health coverage Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, commended the Government of Maldives and the Ministry of Health and Gender for their commitment and vision for universal health coverage for all its citizens. Dr Khetrapal Singh during her visit to Maldives on March 04-05,2014. The newly elected WHO Regional Director for SouthEast Asia, Dr Khetrapal Singh, accompanied by the WHO Representative to the Republic of Maldives, Dr Akjemal Magtymova and Hon Minister of Health and Gender Dr Mariyam Shakeela, met His Excellency Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, Vice President of Maldives on 4 March.
mary health care approach adopted by the country. The community health workforce was in the forefront of public health and the foundation of integrated, people-centered services. Bringing the focus back on health promotion and disease prevention will help the country realize its universal health coverage vision. This approach will also help bring down the escalating costs, particularly those related to noncommunicable diseases, and build a stronger, sustainable health system,” said Dr Khetrapal Singh. Addressing the National Meeting on Strengthening Dengue Prevention and Control in Male’ on 5 March, Dr Khetrapal Singh said that Maldives has done much to strengthen its disease surveillance, response and case-management capacity for dengue control. Despite challenges such as high turnover of doctors in the islands, and difficulty in retaining experience and expertise, Maldives has maintained a low case-fatality rate for dengue. The country is developing a national strategic plan for dengue as a guiding document for all stakeholders. “This is a country whose collective efforts and strong determination have successfully eliminated malaria and has sustained this remarkable achievement. Maldives is the only country in WHO’s South-East Asia Region to achieve this goal. We would like Maldives to reflect on the malaria experience and use their expertise to prevent dengue which poses a major public health risk to its citizens,” said Dr Khetrapal Singh.
Dr Singh congratulated the Government of Maldives on the country’s achievements made towards the Millennium Development Goals, and gains in public health more broadly over the past decade. The WHO Regional Director recognized the current challenges in financing health systems, human resources for health and availability of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals in Maldives. She reaffirmed WHO’s continued support to strengthening the country's health systems to ensure sustainable financing and provision of quality care to respond to those challenges. “Maldives has made impressive gains in providing health care to its citizens. This was made possible due to the pri-
Dr Khetrapal Singh assumed office as the Regional Director for South-East Asia on 1 February 2014, elected by Member States of the WHO South-East Asia Region and subsequently appointed by the WHO Executive Board, which consists of 34 Member States from around the World. She is an Indian national and the first woman to hold this post. This is Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh’s first official visit to a Member State in the Region as Regional Director. Above: WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh and WHO Representative Dr. Akjemal Magtymova during the meeting with the Minister of Health and Gender of the Republic of Maldives. (Photo: WHO) 5 OneUNMaldives
Photo: UNDP
Photo: UNDP
UNDP Facilitates Orientation Programme for the newly-elected Members of Parliament The Secretariat of the People’s Majlis and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly conducted a one-day workshop for the newly-elected members of the 18th Parliament on Monday (26 May 2014). The orientation was facilitated under UNDP’s Integrated Governance Programme (IGP), which focuses on building institutional and human resource capacity of Independent Institutions in the Maldives. The workshop is aimed at building knowledge and awareness on principles of democracy, parliamentary culture and processes, and international parliamentary best practices. The workshop was facilitated by Dr. John Patterson who is an expert on parliamentary affairs with extensive experience working with parliamentarians around the world. Dr. Patterson previously worked in similar assignments in Afghanistan and in Solomon Islands. In his remarks at the opening of the orientation session, Speaker of People’s Majlis, Honorable Abdulla Shahid expressed his hope for an open, transparent and highly successful 18th People’s Majlis, and congratulated the newly-elected MPs on their commitment to serve the nation and its people. “Members of the Parliament are a personification of democratic principles that the Maldives has embraced and nurtured to date. MPs are entrusted with the vision, hope and aspirations of the voters - the people of the Maldives that MPs represent,” UNDP’s Resident Representative a.i. Ms. Azusa Kubota said. “As the name, People’s Majlis, suggests, MPs are expected to realize them while enacting, amending and revising laws, within your mandate.” In addition to the workshop targeted for the 18th Majlis, the UNDP also supported the Secretariat of the People’s Majlis in organizing a similar capacity building training for its staff and reviewing their Strategic Plan. The aim of these activities was to strengthen the Majlis Secretariat and ensure acceleration of key function of the Majlis. 6 OneUNMaldives
Empowering Women, Embracing Equality This year, the United Nations in the Maldives is commemorating the 39th International Women’s Day. The theme for the day is ‘Equality for women is progress for all’ which emphasizes on the achievements, challenges and to look forward on the road to achieving gender equality. In the Maldives, the road we have been so far has led to remarkable achievements as well as realization of critical issues that need to be addressed, both of immediate and long term.
tertiary education being higher than that of men. In the Civil Service work force, only 25 percent of women earn more than MVR 15,000, although they represent more than half of the overall employees meaning that the majority of women in civil service are working in lower ranks. When it comes to their representation in key public positions, women are heftily under-represented in all three arms of the state. According to statistics from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Maldives remains at a disappointing 126th position in terms of female representation in the People’s Majlis, with just 5 female parliamentarians in the 77 member legislature. Furthermore, only 59 women have been elected to office in the 2014 local council elections compared to 1,025 men. In the vastly male-dominated judiciary, there are only nine female judges and magistrates with no female representation on the Supreme Court bench at all.
These data connotes to one conclusion: that significant efPhoto: UN Women forts need to be taken by the state actors to balance this one sided equation. Although equality is guaranteed in the Since the country’s endorsement of a number of critical Constitution and laws, this does not translate to equality international conventions and declarations up until today, of results. it can be argued that the Maldives have made progressive efforts in positively translating these commitments into Mere complacency on addressing these issues could revert domestic legislations and policies. The 2008 Constitution the progress that have been already made. Focus need to eliminates legal barriers that bar women from running for be drawn on measures that are required to accelerate the the highest public office as well as introduced affirmative achievement of substantive equality of results amongst action measures to address inequalities for the first time. men and women. Sufficient budgetary and human reFurthermore, the Domestic Violence Act ratified in the sources need to be allocated by the state to strengthen inyear 2012 provided a much needed legal framework in stitutions to effectively mainstream gender into legislation protecting women from being subjected to forms of do- and policies. mestic violence and abuse. Every woman and girl, regardless of her economic staWhile these are noteworthy achievements, the country tus or where she lives, has equal rights to shape her own still faces difficult challenges in achieving substantive re- future and the future of her country. Human history has sults on gender equality and women empowerment. Under shown that women can be, and have been, at the forefront the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 3 on Gender of global change. To simply ignore this fact and to limit the Equality and Women’s Empowerment, gapping the gender potential of women to inspire change is not a loss incurred disparity in primary and secondary enrollment is the only by them alone, but by their societies at large. target that has been met so far. The remaining two targets on women’s political and economic participation are yet to To borrow the words of UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki be achieved. Moon, “the importance of achieving equality for women and girls is not simply because it is a matter of fairness Statistics from 2006 Census indicate 59 percent of women and fundamental human rights, but because progress in so participate in the country’s labor force as opposed to 79 many other areas depends on it”. percent of men, despite the number of women enrolled in 7 OneUNMaldives
UNFPA Regional Director Commends High Institutional Delivery and Acknowledges on Challenges for Availibility of Reproductive Health Commodities She however pointed out one area the Maldives could improve on significantly. According to Ms. Horibe, family planning is one area that the UNFPA in Maldives needs to focus on as the usage of prevention methods in Maldives is low compared to other countries. Ms. Horibe noted that contraceptive usage, especially modern methods, is very low and there is an unmet need for family planning for those people who choose to use family planning but do not have access to contraceptives. The result, according to Ms. Horibe, is an unwanted pregnancy where another baby is born to the family. Indicating that there is a great potential for local investments in Maldives, Ms. Horibe suggests UNFPA changing its focus to get the private sector to mobilize their money into projects related to key priority areas such as reproductive health commodities.According to UNFPA Regional Director, thinking local rather than global will help Maldives achieve its developmental goals to secure funding for essential projects and programmes. Photo: UNFPA
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“The institution delivery in Maldives is quite Over the past decade, Maldives has achieved remarkable high; it is almost universal and deliveries by progress in terms of development and economic growth skilled attendants are also remarkably high. earning praise from key partners across the region. Most The mortality rate is significantly low. So the notably, Maldives’ graduation from a Least Developed only health indicator that needs improvement Country to a Middle Income Country has seen signifiis family planning,” Ms. Nobuko Horibe cant progress in the economic sector, with the country’s GDP per capita increasing notably. It now stands remarkably higher than many other countries in the region even surpassing India and China – the two emerging economic As the post-2015 discussion continues to influence the decisions made globally to deliver a better world for every powers with the highest population in the world. citizen, Ms. Horibe noted, UNFPA has a pivotal role to Noting that the Maldives is performing exceptionally well play in terms of integrating their mandates into the disin many indicators, UNFPA Regional Director for Asia cussion. and the Pacific, Ms. Nobuko Horibe, on a recent visit to Maldives, has commended the country for its gains over “We are trying to make sure our mandate remain focused on women’s health, young people’s opportunities, gender the past few years. equality and use of data, more evidence-based planning Highlighting that the health indicators in Maldives are and monitoring better with the data. So these are the areas ‘generally good’, Ms. Horibe went on to say that institu- we want to focus on our strategic planning and UNDAF,” tional delivery or delivery by skilled attendant is high Ms. Horibe remarked. while mortality is significantly low in Maldives.
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Photo: UNESCO
UNESCO Project Provides Lessons for Stakeholders to Understand Challenges in Science Education in Maldives UNESCO marked the successful conclusion of its project aimed at capacity development in Science Education in Maldives. The project conducted under a Japanese Funds in Trust (JFIT) programme was aimed at assisting Maldives in enhancing the quality of education through capacity building of teachers and educators reinforced with in-country enhancement of training capacity. The event was preceded by the Pre-service teacher Training Workshop held from 11 to 13 May 2014. The event marked the launch of the educational kit developed under the project as well as award of official certificate of completion of the training to participants. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the event in Male’, Mr. Shigeru Aoyagi, Director and Representative UNESCO appreciated the Government of Maldives for their enthusiastic support to the project and remarked that the project will bring Maldives one step closer to their goal of achieving quality education that is not only sustainable but also faces the countries challenges regarding teacher training and provision of science education capability. HDr. Addulla Nazeer, Minister of State for Education in his address reiterated the commitment of the Government of Maldives to such programmes which are important for preparing a workforce trained in science and technology. He requested the Japanese Ambassador present on the occasion to continue support to the proj-
ect in order to sustain the momentum generated during this phase. Mr. Nobuhito Hobo, Japanese Ambassador in his address informed that the Government of Japan has created the UNESCO JFIT to promote education for sustainable development globally and science education programme being implemented in Maldives is part of the initiative. He further mentioned that the Government of Japan is committed to provide support to this kind of initiative in Maldives. The project has been able to address the needs of in-service teacher training by organizing in-service training of Maldivian National University students thus strengthening of national and local institutions through technical support. The overall goal of the project was to bring about a qualitative improvement in education which is real-life based, relevant to the contexts of the Atolls and is learner-cantered and competence-based. Moreover, since the activities such as climate change, environment, tourism and fisheries are intimately linked to the life and livelihoods of the Maldivians and make an integral part of curriculum in the Maldives, the project resulted in improved teaching-learning of such concepts and themes.
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Government of Maldives and UNDP holds Final Consultation Workshop on NHDR With more than a decade since the Government of Maldives published its first National Human Development Report (NHDR) in 2000, UNDP Maldives has been supporting the government and other relevant state actors in developing the second Maldives NHDR. In this regard, the Final Consultation Workshop on the country’s upcoming NHDR was successfully held last February, surpassing a major milestone in Maldives’ efforts to rejoin the global network of NHDRs after a fourteen year break. The upcoming Maldives NHDR focuses on the theme of ‘Equity and Vulnerability’ with an emphasis on addressing vulnerability and reducing inequality. The theme had been selected following a thorough consultative and participatory theme-selection process to ensure the understanding and conceptualizing of issues relating to equity and vulnerability in the Maldivian context. “The Maldives second NHDR, which is under production, seeks to produce an informed analysis of human development in the country, with a significant emphasis on vulnerabilities and elements of inequality. Also for the first time in the country’s history, it attempts to calculate the sub-regional Human Development Index, which is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and income indices used to assess the level of human development,” said Ms. Azusa Kubota, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative during the opening ceremony of the Final National Consultation Workshop.
Participants of the Final Consultation Workshop on NHDR. (Photo: UNDP)
While speaking in the ceremony, Minister of Health and Gender Dr. Mariyam Shakeela reiterated on the importance of the role that the NHDR could play in formulating public policies and also acknowledged the support provided by the UNDP Maldives. “The Government of Maldives remains and will continue to remain committed to the development of the NHDR and in integrating the human development perspective in designing public policies, so that the people of the Maldives remain at the centre of development. It is also important to develop systems and mechanisms to ensure evidence gathering and analysis for informed decision making and policy formulation that takes into account the needs of vulnerable groups,” said Dr. Mariyam Shakeela, Minister of Health and Gender. The findings and recommendations of the Maldives’ second NHDR will strategically contribute to suggest an agenda for action to increase equity in the spread of benefits and greater efficiency in addressing the needs of the disadvantaged areas and groups. This is of significant importance given the time as the government is also going through fiscal constraints for better targeting of developmental programs and efficient use of public resources to realize the developmental results espoused by the Government.
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Minister of Health and Gender, Dr. Mariyam Shakeela delivers speech at the event. Photo UNFPA
Health Minister says young people’s reproductive health needs are strategically targeted in National Reproductive Health Strategy Statistics show that over 50 percent of the population in Maldives is comprised of people under the age of 25 years and the largest cohort, about 25 percent of the population, is between the ages of 15 to 25 years. As the Government of Maldives focuses on the needs of youth in its development plans, one key area of relevance is youth and reproductive health. In her remarks at the National Meeting on the Reproductive Health Strategy, Minister of Health and Gender, Dr. Mariyam Shakeela noted that adolescent-friendly reproductive health information and service is an important aspect that should be addressed in the National Reproductive Health Strategy. She said that, as a result, young people’s reproductive health needs are strategically targeted and these needs will be addressed in the new Reproductive Health strategy being formulated for the period running from 2014 to 2018. The National Reproductive Health strategy also outlines health sector’s coordinated response to gender-based violence and redefines their roles to support the Domestic Violence Act 2012. This Strategy embraces a Primary Health Care approach which outlines strategic interventions for promoting family planning, maternal and new born health care, preventing unsafe abortion, prevention and management of STIs/HIV, and health sector response to GBV. As key partners, WHO and UNFPA will support the implementation of the National Reproductive Health strategy that aims to address key Reproductive Health issues and challenges in Maldives. The first National Reproductive Health Strategy for the Maldives was developed from 2005–2007 and a second strategy was formulated for 2008-2010 which was continued to follow until 2013. Many of the national targets related to maternal and child health in Maldives have been achieved and sustained. However, a lot more needs to be done to establish services with an approach of wide range of care to individuals, families and communities. 11 OneUNMaldives
UN Women calls on global citizens to bring gender equality into focus
Launches Beijing+20 Campaign: Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Picture it! On 22 May 2014, UN Women launched a major campaign in the lead-up to the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the historic Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. A year of activities around the world will aim to mobilize governments and citizens alike to picture a world where gender equality is a reality and to join a global conversation on empowering women to empower humanity. Events will focus on achievements and gaps in gender equality and women’s empowerment since 189 governments adopted the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This visionary blueprint paves the way for women’s full and equal participation in all spheres of life and decision-making. “The Beijing Platform for Action is an unfulfilled promise to women and girls,” says UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. “Our goal is straightforward: renewed commitment, strengthened action and increased resources to realize gender equality, women’s empowerment and the human rights of women and girls.” The Beijing Women’s Conference drew an unprecedented 17,000 participants while 30,000 representatives attended the NGO Forum. Next year, in 2015, the United Nations will assess progress on implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action over the past 20 years, based on national reports currently being prepared by UN Member States. UN Women will unveil a global information hub featuring diverse voices, testimonies of personal experiences and achievement, celebrity champions and a calendar to track Beijing+20 events. The HeforShe web platform will spotlight prominent men standing up to end violence against women and advance equality. UN Women will support engagement through its network of country offices and release an interactive Facebook app, “Close the Gap”.
“This anniversary takes place at an historic moment,” stresses UN Women’s Mlambo-Ngucka, “as the nations of the world are coming together to accelerate progress to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and define a new global development framework. We must seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to position gender equality, women’s rights and women’s empowerment at the centre of the global agenda and make it a reality.” Major campaign events are being planned around the world. This June, tens of thousands of people will gather in Sweden to advocate for the protection of the human rights of women and girls. In September, at the Climate Summit in New York, a special event will be held with women heads of State and activists. In India in November, men and boys will make a show of force for gender equality. “Today I call on everyone to be part of the solution,” said Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka. UNITED NATIONS / MALDIVES
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