Maldivian Democratic Party presidential candidate Fayyaz Ismail has said that domestic work performed by women carries clear economic value and must be formally recognised.
Speaking on the issue, Fayyaz proposed that the state or husbands should compensate women for childcare and household management. He suggested this could be achieved through mechanisms such as a dedicated pension contribution or direct support to address gender inequality.
He argued that recognising unpaid domestic labour would improve social stability and provide greater financial security for women who primarily manage homes and families. The proposal forms part of broader discussions on gender equity and economic inclusion ahead of the next presidential election.
Women's unpaid care work remains a significant portion of household economic activity in the Maldives, though it is not currently captured in official statistics or systematically compensated.
Fayyaz has positioned the measure as a practical step toward reducing disparities and supporting families.
