President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that construction of temporary shelters for women affected by domestic violence will commence this year.

In his Presidential Address at the first session of the People's Majlis for 2025, President Dr Muizzu emphasised that his Government's development agenda would be inclusive of all segments of society.

The President highlighted that empowering women and creating opportunities for their advancement is a key priority for his Administration and noted that a special loan scheme of MVR 100 million was implemented last year to encourage women's participation in business.

He revealed that 60 individuals have already received loans in the first phase of this programme, with 25 per cent of the scheme specifically allocated to women with disabilities. The President also announced that the second phase of the loan scheme would commence this year.

According to the President, the Government has planned to establish these violence shelters in three regions of the Maldives with construction of the first shelter in Addu City to begin this February and scheduled for completion within one year.

Additionally, the President announced that the government plans to train 500 young people this year to work towards preventing gender-based and domestic violence.