The Maldives has made notable progress in advancing gender equality, including constitutional guarantees of equal rights (2008), the enactment of the Gender Equality Act (2016), and the introduction of a 33% gender quota in local councils through the Decentralization Act (2019). These reforms significantly increased women’s numerical representation in local governance, particularly following the 2021 local council elections.
Despite these advancements, women continue to face persistent structural, socio-cultural, financial, and institutional barriers that limit both their effective participation and retention in local governance roles. While quotas have opened doors, they have not automatically translated into substantive equality, authority, or sustained political engagement.
This study, examines the barriers to women’s political participation in Local Councils and Women’s Development Committees (WDCs), with particular focus on the rising trend of resignation among elected women representatives. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combined a nationwide online survey of 120 respondents with four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and eight Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). The study explores motivations to contest, campaign experiences, workplace dynamics, causes of resignation, and women’s future political intentions.
The study provides recommendations to strengthen women’s effective participation through institutional reforms, improved support systems, clearer mandates, adequate resources, and broader efforts to address socio-cultural barriers. It emphasizes that advancing women’s leadership in local governance is essential for inclusive and effective democratic development in the Maldives.