Policy of Non-Discrimination Against Women

The Maldives National University (MNU) prohibits discrimination against women in study, employment and university life, in line with the Gender Equality Act (Law No. 18/2016). MNU has had a formal procedure for complaints of gender discrimination since 2018. In 2026, it adopted a dedicated Policy on Non-Discrimination Against Women covering all students and staff.

Our policy position in 2025

• Policy on Gender Equality-Related Complaints (effective 3 May 2018). Made under Section 42(b) of the Gender Equality Act, it sets minimum standards for receiving, investigating and resolving complaints of gender-based discrimination from staff and job applicants. Complaints are handled in confidence, and complainants are protected from discrimination and victimisation.
• Grievance Policy (effective 1 October 2008). It gives staff a formal route to raise concerns, and guarantees that raising a grievance will not lead to adverse treatment or disadvantage (Clause 1).
• Prevention of sexual harassment. MNU follows the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment Act (Law No. 16/2014) and its Regulation, and maintains a committee to receive and investigate complaints.
• Student Admissions Policy (revised 14 November 2023). All applicants are assessed against the same published entry criteria.

Strengthening our commitment in 2026

• Policy on Non-Discrimination Against Women (MNU/UC/2026/10, approved by the University Council on 5 October 2026). It prohibits discrimination against women in admission, education, employment, professional advancement, University services, governance and participation in University activities (Section 4). It also prohibits discrimination because of pregnancy, childbirth or maternity (Section 6), and protects anyone who reports discrimination or gives evidence from retaliation (Section 9).
• Policy on Anti-Sexual Harassment and Abuse (MNU/UC/2026/4, approved 28 September 2026). It extends protection to all staff and students, requires at least one woman on the complaints committee, and makes retaliation a separate disciplinary offence.

Non-discrimination in practice, 2025

• Fair recruitment. Every vacancy is advertised publicly and filled through objective review of applications by gender-balanced selection committees. In 2025, MNU recruited 69 staff, 39 of them women (56.5%).
• Women in the workforce. Women make up 66.5% of MNU staff (460 of 692): 61.2% of academic staff (164 of 268) and 70.5% of administrative staff (279 of 396).
• Women in leadership. MNU is led by its first female Vice Chancellor, Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam. In 2025, women held:
  • 18 of the University’s 29 senior leadership posts (62.1%): the Chancellery, deans and heads, registrars, Quality Assurance and the Controller of Examinations
  • 13 of 20 dean and head posts (65.0%), across MNU’s 14 faculties and centres, 4 atoll campuses, and the Dean of Students and Dean of Research
  • 93 of 150 senior academic posts (62.0%)
  • 17 of 35 director-level posts (48.6%), including 14 of 23 deputy directors
• Equal admission. All applicants are assessed against the same published entry criteria.
• Complaints. No complaints were received under the Gender Equality Complaints Procedure in 2025.

Activities in 2025

• Panel Discussion on Digital Violence Against Women and Girls (29 November 2025). The Faculty of Health Sciences joined the Ministry of Social and Family Development for this panel. It raised awareness among staff and students of technology-facilitated violence, safer digital practices and where to get support.
• Through the Glass Ceiling: Gender Issues in the Resort Sector of the Maldives (18 November 2025). In the Lunchtime Talk Series, Lecturer Ms Hashma Adnan explored the opportunities and barriers women face in tourism and hospitality, and promoted dialogue on equitable workplaces.
• Research Discussion on Gender Roles in Education (19 November 2025). Assistant Professor Dr Mohamed Umar represented MNU at the Ministry of Education’s focus group on gender roles in education.
• International Women’s Day, “Accelerate Action” (8 March 2025). MNU Kulhudhuffushi Campus marked the day with 31 staff, recognising women’s achievements and calling for faster progress on gender equality.

Links

• • Gender Equality Act (Law No. 18/2016), English translation
  • MNU policies and forms
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