President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has condemned domestic violence and abuse as contributing factors to many of the major social issues. The president expressed these sentiments whilst inaugurating the ‘Geveshi Gulhun’ campaign of the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services, which is crafted specifically to help reduce instances of domestic abuse and violence.
During the event, President Solih stated his firm conviction that empowering women and challenging long-held prejudicial mindsets are essential tasks to successfully combat abuse and exploitation. The president further expressed all of us have a responsibility to strengthen reporting and redress mechanisms, to ensure that victims receive justice and are never re-victimised. He added while these may be challenging tasks, succeeding in them will be essential to ensuring social progress and harmony.
The president added success itself will be contingent on the holistic efforts of government and state institutions, civil society organisations, and conscientious individuals. He lauded the work currently being done by many Maldivian civil society organisations and individuals, who have made it their mission to speak out against abuse and exploitation. He noted the ‘Geveshi Gulhun’ campaign will complement such efforts, and facilitate the efforts of the government to protect those vulnerable to abuse.
President Solih offered words of praise towards this new campaign, emphasising it will be an integral part of the broader efforts of the government against all forms of abuse and violence. Noting these efforts include investing more resources into social protection services, the president noted the government has now increased the budgetary allocation to the gender ministry by USD 7.2 million in comparison to 2018 - providing them USD 19 million in total this year. He added the government has also undertaken legislative initiatives to ensure rape and sexual exploitation are treated as grave criminal offences within the criminal justice system.
The president also spoke on the efforts of the government to protect children’s rights in particular, highlighting the ratification of the Child Rights Protection Act, and the creation of the position of an independent Children’s Ombudsperson pursuant to the aforementioned legislation. The Children’s Ombudsperson will be charged with protecting and promoting the interests of children within the Maldives. The president has already proposed his chosen nominee for this position to Parliament, and is awaiting their approval.
While closing his remarks, President Solih reiterated broadening and strengthening the role of women in the Maldives remains a high priority of his administration. Crucial to achieving this, he added, will be ensuring women’s home environments are safe and their right to say no is always respected.
The president ended by expressing his hope the country can build a community free of abuse and exploitation, and by asking God’s blessing for the Geveshi Gulhun campaign.