President Nasheed has said that he would continue to facilitate the progress of women in all areas. He made the remarks speaking at the special meeting held today to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.
Speaking at the meeting, the President said that the roles of women in the Maldives should not only be confined to the household tasks such as cooking, embroidery or tailoring, but it is also important for women to engage in other activities for their progress and development. He further noted that, it is not the best practice to emphasise the development of women to some particular areas. Instead, he stressed that we should facilitate the engagement of women in all activities.
The President said that if it was our belief that we could undertake all the developmental activities in the Maldives while keeping women at home to look after the kids, we would not be able to achieve the ‘other Maldives’ that we desire.
President Nasheed said that, although he did not have an adequate number of women as political appointees, he would want to appoint as many women as possible to the political posts. He urged the women to work in the frontline of all areas to be noted for a political appointment.
At the function held to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, President Nasheed distributed the awards for the most active Women’s Development Committees in the Atolls and in Male’. At today’s event, the President also unveiled the special stamp set issued on the occasion.
Minister of Economic Development Mr Mohamed Rasheed inaugurated the Fund for the Economic Development of Women. Minister of Health and Family Dr Aminath Jameel delivered the welcome remarks and launched the official song of this year’s Women’s Day.
After the function, First Lady Madam Laila Ali declared open a Fair showcasing craftsmanship of women. The Fair was organised, on the occasion, by the Department of Gender and Family Protection Services in collaboration with the Women’s Development Committees of Male’.
