Muizzu Links Water Security to Women's Safety, Vows National Action

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to guaranteeing safe, reliable, and affordable water and sanitation on every inhabited island, framing the issue as fundamental to the safety and dignity of women and girls. In a message marking World Water Day 2026, the President noted that while the Maldives is surrounded by ocean, access to freshwater remains a critical national challenge. He highlighted that water shortages disproportionately burden women and girls, who are primarily responsible for household water management and caregiving, especially during supply disruptions and extreme weather. To strengthen national water security, President Muizzu outlined plans for significant investment in infrastructure, including desalination systems, and measures to protect the country's limited freshwater reserves. He also pointed to the expansion of community-based initiatives like rainwater harvesting as a key component of the strategy. The government will prioritize building technical capacity, improving access to climate finance, and implementing tighter regulations alongside better emergency preparedness to address risks like saltwater intrusion, he said. A central theme of the message was the role of women in decision-making. The President called for greater inclusion of women in water governance, arguing that their participation is essential for building more resilient communities. "Where water flows, equality grows," he stated. The statement concluded with a call for coordinated action among communities, civil society, utilities, and development partners to safeguard water resources and strengthen national systems. World Water Day 2026 is observed on March 22 under the theme "Water and Gender," highlighting the intrinsic link between equitable water access and gender equality.