Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Shidhatha Shareef has said that economic disparities faced by women pose challenges in elections.

Shidhatha spoke at the signing ceremony of newly elected members of the third term of Male' City Council Women's Development Committee last night at Sultan Park. She said that there are still those who claim that there are no longer barriers preventing women from taking part in elections. Shidhatha said however, that women still face several challenges when it comes to elections.

The Gender Minister noted that in reality, women face various challenges due to economic disparities and discrepancies in ownership of wealth. She said that there are very few women currently active at a level where major decisions can be taken by them. Shidhatha highlighted that for all of these reasons, women find it more difficult to run in elections.

She noted, that while 50 percent of the population are women, there should be no question whether women need equal opportunity.

The Minister also said that beliefs that women belong only in domestic settings such as cleaning or cooking, are still alive and well in this country.