Internal Migration- a Concern Even for Small Island Developing State: A Gender Lens on Migration in Maldives

Fathimath Riyaza, Maldives Bureau of Statistics

The Maldives is a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the Indian Ocean, with a population of about 515,000 people. Maldives has experienced significant population mobility within the country over the past 3 decades. Maale, the capital city currently hosts about 41% of the population, an increase of 16% compared to 1995. This paper presents individual-level characteristics of Maldivians migrating to Maale, offering a gendered perspective on internal migration. More specifically, the author focuses on factors such as age, reasons for migration & socio-economic trends measured through education and employment. The analysis uses 2 waves of census data, from 2014 & 2022 and study is done based on trend, comparative analysis & regression models. The findings indicate that the women are more likely to migrate than men to capital city, which are linked to them aiming for better education for themselves, movement resulting in family migration. However, this result is not persistent overtime, as in the past more men used to drive migration towards Maale. This shift presents unique challenges and opportunities to understand the gender-specific drivers, impacts of internal migration crucial for informed policy-making and long-term development planning and offers valuable insights for fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.

Keywords: Gender Dynamics, Internal Migration and Urbanization

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