Women in Management, IFC Partner for the ‘Professional & Career Women Awards 2024,’ Promoting Women’s Business Leadership in Maldives

Malé, Maldives, November 20, 2024-Positioning women's business leadership at the forefront of Maldives' growth agenda, Women in Management Maldives (WIM Maldives) partners with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to co-host the 'Professional & Career Women Awards 2024.'

In its sixth edition, the awards recognize and champion Maldivian women who have excelled in their careers, businesses and everyday life. With over 170 past award winners from Maldives, representing a wide array of professions such as banking and finance, hospitality, media, legal, logistics and supply chains, the 'Professional and Career Women Awards' demonstrate the significant role women play in bringing about transformational change as employees, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.

"The vision of the 'Professional and Career Women Awards' goes beyond just celebrating inspiring women leaders. It is also about providing the next generation with role models to look up to - women who embody a sense of status, achievement, and success," said Dr. Sulochana Segera, Founder/Chairperson at Women in Management. "This year, we are delighted to have IFC, a longstanding partner of Women in Management, as a partner for the awards in Maldives, which will open new avenues of opportunities for Maldivian women who are equipped with the potential and skills to contribute towards achieving inclusive economic growth."

In Maldives, despite some progress, persistent challenges in attaining gender equality and women's economic empowerment remain. The country's female labour force participation rate remains around 43 percent, compared to 79 percent for men, and mostly concentrated in the informal sector. Increasing women's participation and promoting women's business leadership are, therefore, vital in achieving resilient and inclusive growth.

"Addressing multiple barriers to women's economic empowerment means more than just improving their voice and agency. When more women work, economies grow," said Wendy Werner, Country Head for IFC in India and Maldives. "To achieve resilient economic growth and a more inclusive society, Maldives can harness the potential of women across the country. Our partnership with Women in Management will serve as a platform that will showcase the remarkable achievements of Maldivian women, inspiring progress in all sectors of society."

With presence in Sri Lanka, Canada, United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, the 'Professional and Career Women Awards' sets the stage for the award winners' own career or business trajectory, and importantly, encourages many other aspiring women from diverse backgrounds to explore new opportunities, propelling them to reach higher in their chosen field.

This year's panel of judges will be chaired by Fathimath Manike, Development Banking Director at Bank of Maldives. Joining her on the panel are Abdul Latheef, President of SME Federation Maldives; Manoji Wadugodapitiya, Managing Director of PAMS Hydro Group, Sri Lanka; Mariam Waheeda, Permanent Member of Maldives Scout and Guide Fellowship; Pramita Ray, Gender Specialist for South Asia at IFC; and Dr. Ravi Dissanayake, Professor in the Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.