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During the signing ceremony of the ADB grant agreement, 21 December 2022. Photo/ Ministry of Finance

ADB grant to build 3 shelters for domestic violence victims

Minister Ameer said that the project will decentralise the protection and services provided to victims of domestic violence.

22 December 2022

Maldives on Wednesday signed a $7.51 grant agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to set up three centres for victims of domestic violence.

The grant agreement was signed at a ceremony held on Wednesday by:

  • Finance minister Ibrahim Ameer

  • ADB Director of South Asia Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division Thiam Hee Ng

The centres for victims of domestic violence are part of the 'Strengthening Gender Inclusive Initiative', a five-year initiative with technical and financial support from ADB. As per the agreement signed this day:

  • A grant of $7.51 million from the Asian Development Fund assured 

  • The government will have to spend $0.93 million

  • The total cost of the project is estimated to be $8.44 million

Under the project, centres will be set up in three islands:

  • 1-

    Hulhumale

  • 2-

    R. Ungoofaaru

  • 3-

    Addu

The main objectives of the project are as follows:

  • Providing necessary temporary protection to those involved in cases of violence or domestic violence due to being of a particular gender 

  • Implementation of the government's efforts to achieve outcomes by incorporating the perspective of gender equality in decentralised service delivery

  • In addition to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the government's Strategic Action Plan (SAP) includes efforts to achieve gender equality and implement the policies outlined.

The project will also provide USD 2.5 million in grants for technical assistance. Here's a look at some of them:

  • $2.5 million is a grant from ADB’s Technical Assistance Special Fund

  • $0.5 million grant from the Japan Special Fund

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Ameer said that the project will decentralise the protection and services provided to victims of domestic violence and violence for being of a particular gender. He added:

  • Setting up centres for domestic violence victims would not end efforts to build a safer society 

"Even with these three centres, there is no end to our work. This is the beginning. With the support of our development partners, we will continue to set up safe shelters across the country," Ameer said.

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