Dhiraagu Gender Advisory

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Dhiraagu (Dhivehi Raajjeyge Gulhun Private Limited) is the largest mobile network operator and broadband service provider in the Maldives. IFC has made an overall investment of US$35 million to Dhiraagu. Through this project, IFC will support a reputable telecom operator that aims to roll-out a new critical high-capacity submarine cable providing direct digital connectivity between the archipelago of the Maldives and the global Internet gateway, improving both the quality and affordability of internet connectivity in the country. In addition, IFC has been working with Dhiraagu to strengthen the company’s gender action plan and unlock business opportunities by adopting a strong gender lens throughout its operations. This is a key focus area for the company, which aims to ensure the advancement of women as employees and as leaders in technical and non-technical roles within the company. As a result of the first phase of IFC's advisory, Dhiraagu has made steady progress in implementing its gender action plan. IFC is now providing a second phase of advisory to Dhiraagu by expanding and deepening gender-smart solutions at the company. To scale up gender-smart solutions emerging from this project to the market, IFC will leverage strategic partnerships to pilot gender-focused workshops with companies in the Maldives. With the aim of advancing knowledge and awareness on the cross-cutting themes of climate and gender, IFC will establish a Maldivian Climate Leaders’ Network with a select cohort of leaders (especially women) from the private and public sectors.