More than half of the population is considered rural. Except for those living in Malé, the only relatively large settlement in the country, the inhabitants of the Maldives live in villages on small islands in scattered atolls. Only about 20 of the islands have more than 1,000 inhabitants, and the southern islands are more densely populated than the northern ones.
The rapid growth of the tourism industry left its mark on the labour market, which saw a dramatic shift away from agriculture and into the service sector—especially jobs in tourism and other tertiary industries. Due to the lack of training among the general population, a number of foreign workers from South Asia ended up providing the skills needed to help develop businesses and fulfill the demand for skilled labour in the tourism industry.
As businesses on resort islands away from the general populace demanded an increasing share of the total labour force, the participation rate of women, who are discouraged by the culture from living away from their families, fell substantially. About three-fifths of women participated in the labour force in the 1970s, but the rate dipped as low as one-fifth of women in the mid-1990s. By the 2010s, however, the participation rate had recovered to about half of women.
While much of the youth was absorbed into the service sector, a large population is still unskilled and unemployed. ‘The disengagement of Maldivian Youth,’ published by The Maldives National University and the Maldivian Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, reported that many young people feel detached from the economic systems, resulting in growing disillusionment. The rise in drug use and gang activity further complicates youth development.
At the heart of this disillusionment is corruption: the government is the leading employer, but obtaining a civil service job requires connections. According to young people who UNDP surveyed, everything from housing to getting a degree depends on a willingness to pay or use connections. A deep unfairness at the heart of the system is both inefficient and corrosive to community spirit.
Decades of neglect in education, housing, employment, and justice have created widespread disenchantment and frayed the social fabric. Crime has worsened, education is poorly matched to the job market, and housing has become unaffordable. Drugs and gang activity have become serious issues, and many young people feel that the government has been more focused on restricting their political and cultural expression than on expanding opportunities for them. In short, there is a deep sense of malaise among many young people, mostly because of corruption and the contentious political environment.
Due to the high levels of divorce and broken families in the Maldives, young people look outside of traditional family structures for the support and protection that gangs can provide. Owing to the rising gang violence and drug abuse among the youth, there is a pressing need for intervention to guide the youth who are in a disadvantaged position.
According to a public perception study mentioned above, the Maldivian youth face challenges such as limited employment opportunities, dysfunctional home environments, and a lack of higher education and recreational activities, leading to issues like drug abuse, vandalism, and low mental well-being. The study suggests solutions, including better rehabilitation programs, accessible mental health services, extended schooling, work experience opportunities, career guidance, and community engagement initiatives. It also highlights the need for increased sports and leisure activities, job creation, entrepreneurship support, more vigorous law enforcement, and further research to improve the experience for the Maldivian youth.
To bridge the gap in this problem, Villijoali, an NGO in the Vilimalé region, started its community outreach program in 2016. The name ‘Villijoali’ comes from two words. ‘Villi’ – derived from Villimalé, the community where the initiative was founded. ‘Joali’ – a traditional Maldivian woven chair, symbolizing gatherings where people sit, talk, and connect. ‘Villijoali’ represents a space for community bonding, dialogue, and inclusivity, embodying the organization's mission of bringing people together in a caring and resilient environment.
The NGO tackles the problem of youth disengagement and includes the migrant population in its initiatives. Various community-building activities involve persons with disabilities and marginalized groups in activities hosted every Friday at their community centers. They aim to build a safe space for people of all backgrounds and build meaningful relationships. Activities such as a trip to the Maldivian National Museum of Art and many arts and crafts projects engage their young citizens.
Villijoali runs several community programs, including Friday Social Gatherings and Parent Support Group, a program for parents of persons with disabilities, providing expert-led sessions and peer support. ‘Kulhisama’ is a sports program, and ‘Magey Veshi’ is an environmental program that includes clean-up drives and tree-planting efforts. ‘Haalu Kihine,’ which means ‘How are you?’ encourages dialogue with the elderly and marginalized groups, including migrant workers. Arts & Crafts Activities keep the children and youth engaged in creative projects and include visits to the Maldivian National Art Gallery.
Despite limited resources and external pressures, Villijoali continues to be a key grassroots effort in promoting social inclusion and community resilience.
Villijoali addresses several social and community challenges in Villimalé and the broader Malé region by fostering inclusivity, resilience, and care. The initiative fills critical gaps in youth engagement, social integration, and community well-being. It creates a sense of belonging, and strengthens community resilience, ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind. Through its grassroots approach, Villijoali empowers individuals to take ownership of their community and contribute positively to its development.
