Gov’t Launches Grant Scheme to Support Gender Equality and Elderly Welfare Projects
Programme implemented under ADB-supported gender inclusion project | Photo: MV+
The Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare has announced a grant programme to provide financial support to organisations working on gender equality, violence prevention and elderly welfare initiatives.
The programme is being implemented under the Asian Development Bank-supported Strengthening Gender Inclusive Initiatives project. It aims to provide technical guidance and financial assistance to civil society organisations and local councils undertaking projects in collaboration with city and island councils and Women’s Development Committees.
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According to the ministry, the initiative is designed to support projects aligned with the National Action Plan for Gender Equality (2022–2026) and the National Policy on Older Persons (2025–2028).
Funding will be available for projects focused on preventing domestic violence and gender-based violence, raising public awareness, increasing the participation of men in prevention efforts, and strengthening community reporting, referral and response mechanisms. The scheme will also support initiatives aimed at improving shelters and victim support services, as well as research and advocacy related to violence prevention and victims’ rights.
In addition, the programme will fund community-based elderly care projects and initiatives intended to improve the welfare and support services available to older persons.
Under the grant scheme, individual organisations working on domestic violence and gender inequality projects will be eligible for funding of up to USD 50,000, while partnership initiatives may receive up to USD 75,000. For elderly welfare projects, grants of up to USD 40,000 will be available for individual organisations and up to USD 60,000 for partnership programmes.
The ministry stated that projects addressing gender-based violence will be implemented in Male’ City, Addu City and Raa Atoll through eligible organisations. Programmes focused on elderly welfare will be carried out nationwide.
