WIM Maldives and IFC Partner for ‘Professional & Career Women Awards 2024’

Women in Management Maldives (WIM Maldives) has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to co-host the ‘Professional & Career Women Awards 2024,’ a platform aimed at promoting women’s business leadership in the Maldives. 

In its sixth edition, the awards celebrate the achievements of Maldivian women across various sectors including banking, finance, hospitality, media, legal, and logistics. With over 170 past awardees, the event highlights the significant role women play as employees, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in driving change and development.

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This year’s panel of judges will be chaired by Fathimath Manike, Development Banking Director at Bank of Maldives.

Other judges include:

• President of the SME Federation Maldives, Abdul Latheef 
• Managing Director of PAMS Hydro Group, Sri Lanka, Manoji Wadugodapitiya
• Permanent Member of Maldives Scout and Guide Fellowship, Mariam Waheeda,
• Gender Specialist for South Asia at IFC, Pramita Ray
• Professor in the Department of Marketing Management at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, Dr. Ravi Dissanayake

The Founder and Chairperson of WIM Maldives, Dr. Sulochana Segera said the awards is about recognising the next generation of role models, women who embody a sense of “status, achievement and success”.

““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.”

Dr. Segera added that the partnership with IFC would open new opportunities for Maldivian women to contribute to inclusive economic growth. 

Despite progress, women in the Maldives face ongoing challenges related to gender equality and economic empowerment. Female labour force participation remains around 43%, significantly lower than the 79% for men, and is largely concentrated in the informal sector. Increasing women’s participation in the workforce and promoting leadership roles for women is seen as essential for achieving resilient and inclusive growth.

Wendy Werner, Country Head for IFC in India and the Maldives, commented, “Addressing multiple barriers to women’s economic empowerment means more than just improving their voice and agency. When more women work, economies grow. Our partnership with Women in Management will showcase the remarkable achievements of Maldivian women, inspiring progress in all sectors of society.”

The awards are expected to set the stage for winners to further their careers and businesses, while motivating other women to explore new opportunities.