Ocean Women is a project launched in 2022 by Manta Trust to improve recreational access and connection to the ocean for women and girls worldwide. In many tropical coastal communities with large ocean areas women and girls do not swim, snorkel or engage with the ocean as much as men and boys do – two-thirds of women worldwide cannot swim. Reported reasons include fear, societal stigmas, aesthetic ideals, lack of role models, equipment, or access to safe spaces, and gender norms.
The project present in 20 countries involves working with local communities, organizations, universities and students to:
The first training program was implemented in the Maldives with the goal of training 10 SSI swimming and snorkeling instructors. These instructors will then be helped to permanently establish swimming and snorkeling classes and clubs on their respective islands. Children and women will learn to swim and snorkel in order to observe the coral reefs and megafauna for which the Maldives is famous. Positive impacts of women's access to the ocean for recreational purposes include:
Known locally as Makunufushi, COMO Cocoa Island is a private island with white sand in the atholl South Malè, only 40 minutes by speedboat from the international airport.
The up-market romantic resort has 33 over water villas overlooking the turqoise waters of the lagoon. They are shaped like the tipical boats of the islands, "dhonis", boasting roofs in kajan. The heart of the Retreat is the wellness experience Shambhala combining both spa and wellness experience with a special kind of cuisine, perfectly balanced made of organic vegetables and fruits of the land for a well beeing in body and spirit.
Experiences at COMO Cocoa are, as it is probably expected, all connected to the marine world, starting with the uncomparable snorkeling and diving in the clear waters of Indian Ocean, to continue with a great classic, the sunset cruise and end with the shark experience. Moreover, each experience at COMO is enriched by the unique values coming from the family owners of COMO Hotels and Resorts, always very sensitive to sustainability values for environment, heritage and corporate responsibility. COMO Cocoa is partner of Maldives Marine Research Centre to keep tracks of mantas and turtles beside monitoring the presence of debris in waters. Also, Cocoa leads a program to increase corals and guests may be part of it as sponsor and follow the development on-line .
