Maldives Mayor says Gender Ministry failed to provide data on children with disabilities

Malé City Mayor Adam Azim stated that the Council did not receive any support when it requested information on individuals requiring special assistance from the Ministry. Speaking at today's official public meeting of the Malé City Council, Mayor Azim noted that studies indicate approximately 10 percent of the country's population consists of children with disabilities, and providing these individuals with an easier life is a significant responsibility of the Council. The Mayor revealed that they had requested data from the Gender Ministry many times to obtain information on these individuals, but no support was received from the Ministry and the data could not be obtained. "In my view, everyone in a society can live easily only if an environment is established where people and children with disabilities living in that society can live easily. Until that day comes, everyone will have to live with difficulties," Mayor Azim said. He described collecting information by visiting the constituencies to which councilors belong as feasible, adding that since the Malé City Council works closely with citizens, this is an important task it can undertake. All councilors who spoke at the meeting noted that the initiative will bring numerous benefits to individuals requiring special assistance and to the entire society.