President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced sweeping reforms to expand the role and financial capacity of Women’s Development Committees (WDCs), with key changes set to be reflected in the upcoming 2026 State Budget.
In a statement shared on his official X account, the president revealed that WDCs will receive 10 percent of council budgets starting from 2026 — doubling the current allocation of five percent. The move, he said, is designed to reinforce the committees’ operational reach and further embed them in local governance structures.
Alongside the budget increase, the government has revised compensation mechanisms for WDC members. Beginning next year, Ramadan allowances will be issued directly from council budgets rather than being deducted from WDC operational funds. First introduced under President Muizzu’s administration last year, the allowance will now be treated as an official salary, marking a formal recognition of members’ contributions to community development.
The reforms are part of President Muizzu’s broader agenda to empower WDCs and island councils as vital components of decentralised governance across the Maldives.
The announcement comes as the Ministry of Finance and Planning works on the 2026 State Budget. As part of this process, the ministry is reassessing the fiscal formula that governs block grants — a crucial funding source for local councils.
Councils have been instructed to submit detailed medium-term budgetary plans by 18 September. Once reviewed, the draft budget will be presented to the cabinet of ministers between 19 and 23 October. The final estimated budget for 2026 is scheduled to be submitted to Parliament on 30 October.
Observers note that the reforms, particularly the enhanced budget allocation for WDCs, represent one of the most significant steps in recent years to strengthen women’s participation in local governance.
