Eliminating all forms of violence against women is a key priority of this Administration. This stems from our firm conviction in gender equality and human rights. Statistics show that over one in three women in the Maldives experience some form of violence. To make matters worse, too often survivors cannot easily access the care and resources they need to recover and rebuild their lives, and far too many perpetrators escape justice.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s Government has tasked itself with addressing these longstanding issues. Despite the progress made, we still have much work to do.
We know that the impacts of the restrictions imposed in response to Covid-19 were extremely difficult, and that it also led to an increase in reports of violence against women. Addressing this serious issue has been made an integral part of our recovery and resilience efforts as we build back stronger communities in the aftermath of the pandemic. This Administration is following through on its pledges to establish shelters and safe spaces for victims of abuse, and is committed to reforming the criminal justice system to hold perpetrators accountable, and to changing attitudes and traditions that are harmful to women.
During the lockdown the Government urged victims to report instances of domestic abuse to the authorities, through designated hotlines. We remain committed to strengthening reporting mechanisms so that domestic abuse survivors will have recourse to justice.
As we continue with our national efforts to eliminate violence against women, we remain mindful that this is an issue that crosses borders. There is no country or community that is unaffected by it. Today, on the International Day of Eliminating Violence Against Women, we must enhance our efforts to ensure that women in the Maldives, and women throughout the world, are treated with respect and dignity, and can live their lives without fear of abuse.
Thank you.