Practice Parliament Successfully Completed With Amazing Results

UN Development Program in the Maldives in partnership with the People’s Majilis of the Maldives, with support from the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka and Maldives, successfully conducts Practice Parliament for Women Program. The inspiring program was completed by 36 women, including 5 Persons with Disabilities all of whom that represented women leaders from across Maldives.

 
“Australia is committed to protecting the rights of women and girls, and promoting their positive and active role in shaping communities." Promised the Deputy High Commissioner of Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka and Maldives, Amanda Jewell, speaking at the ceremony.
 
The program was steered to increase women's participation in the country's decision-making processes by expanding capacity development and training programs for women active in politics to improve their skills and knowledge in order to run for elected posts.

 
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the successful event, Resident Representative of UNDP Maldives with UN Maldives, Enrico Gaveglia shared his thoughts, “Despite some progress, women’s proven capacities as leaders and agents of change are yet to be fully embraced. UNDP will continue to work with partners towards equitable & meaningful participation of women in the socio-economic and political spheres of Maldives.”
 
Moreover, Practice Parliament was built on the concept of experiential learning to give aspiring individuals the opportunity to learn by doing, form new networks and allies through shared understanding, engage in dialogue with other members of the same cohort to further inform their values and perspectives, and learn new skills in a practical setting.

 
"The skill sets that this programme has instilled will be useful for these women every-where, at any time in their lives, especially in leadership positions." Sharing her expertise is MP Hinnavaru Constituency, Jeehan Mahmoud.
 
The 36 participants of the Practice Parliament series underwent a training component in which participants learnt about civic education basics, major parliamentary processes, and pertinent policy concerns. A Practice Parliament Sitting in which they acted out legislative activities also took place.
 
Congratulations to all the participants for successfully completing the event and empowering more women across the country to participate in such events in the future!

All pictures obtained from People's Majilis.