This assessment aims to provide an overview of the gender situation in Maldives, identify gender issues that may be relevant to the project, and to examine potential gender mainstreaming opportunities. The assessment was conducted as a desk review, based on available studies by the various organizations working on gender issues in Maldives. The assessment was based upon available data from studies conducted by the Government of the Republic of Maldives, donor agencies, and multilateral banks, and includes:

• Undertaking a desktop review and aligning approaches in this proposal with the national priorities of the Republic of Maldives.
• Incorporating information and lessons learned from past studies and assessments on gender in the Maldives from the Government of the Republic of Maldives, the United Nations, civil society organisations, and multilateral development banks.
• Conducting stakeholder consultations and engaging women affected by the project and incorporating all points raised; and
• Integrating gender considerations in the project indicators, targets and activities, identifying women as leaders and decision-makers.