President Mohamed Nasheed has called for elimination of all forms of violence against women, as the country marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Speaking in his weekly radio address on Friday, the President stated that ending violence against women was an “obligation upon the whole society”.
He noted that violence against women was quite common in the Maldives, especially because many cases of domestic violence go unreported.
“Many victims find it difficult to share their stories with even close friends and family. They are even more hesitant to report to the police and government authorities,” he said.
The President explained domestic violence was not violence only against women, but that it was having so much negative effects on children.
“While women may generally be physically less strong than men, men taking advantage of this only amounts to the rule of the jungle,” he described.
The President acknowledged that condemning violence was not sufficient to stop it, but insisted greater awareness on the issue would help empower women and decrease cases of violence.
In his address, the President highlighted importance of women’s full participation in economic development, and called for workplace safety for female employees.
The President said:
“Even subtle forms of harassment that we may otherwise think are trivial should be deplored. It is no small thing that a boss harasses a female employee. Such things should never happen in the workplace.
“Women must be able to work in their jobs in a safe and trustable environment.”
The President thanked the opposition DRP MPs who had worked for the bill on domestic violence currently in the People’s Majlis. He reiterated government’s full support to the bill.
25 November is being marked as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Maldives is having various activities for 16 days starting from 25 November.
