Automotive Maintenance
Food & Beverage Service Personnel
2
2
53
72
1
24
Room Attendant
2
102
4
Marine Mechanic
1
19
0
Marine Mechanic
Refrigeration & Air‐Conditioning Mechanic
2
15
0
Retail Service
3
2
38
15
0
6
Front Officer
2
26
36
Food Preparation
2
10
1
Tour Guide
3
16
1
Pastry and Bakery
2
26
7
3
13
0
Carpenter
Source: Information obtained from Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (2014)on TVET
training program statistics (national certificates awarded) /2014
51. Until recently the higher education options were limited, with most students pursuing
higher education abroad, applying for scholarships and subsidized loans from MoE.38
From a total number of 643 scholarships awarded, the number of scholarships awarded
to females remains high from the year 2007 to 2013. The Maldives College of Higher
Education was the main public higher education institution until February 2011 when it
was upgraded into Maldives National University.39 During this period number of private
providers of higher education increased.40 The tertiary education level programs
available in Male’ and at regional level are mostly limited to education, health sciences,
information technology, engineering, hospitality and tourism, management, law and
maritime studies. According to data provided by Department of Higher Education, there
are more female students enrolled in local higher education institutes (females 8629
and males 5899) in year 2013.It is important to underline that limited occupational
choices, stereotypical gender roles expected by the society influence equitable
participation in acquiring skills needed for employment. For instance the data provided
by Maldives National University (MNU) also shows that a total number of female
students outnumbered the male students from the year 2007 to 2013, however
majority of them dominate in programs associated with education, health sciences and
management. Restrictions on mobility, limited access to higher educational and training
opportunities, limited financial support schemes to study abroad along with family
obligations are issues that impact women’s tertiary education prospects.41
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