First Lady Fazna Ahmed has urged the media to portray a positive household environment in order to strengthen family bonds.
She made the statement in a video message for a programme on domestic violence conducted by the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services in association with the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA). The President's Office stated the programme aims to raise awareness on creating a safer environment for victims of domestic violence.
In her message, First Lady Fazna urged the public to streamline public messaging strategies towards strengthening family bonds. She noted that some commercials on mainstream media portray household issues in a negative light. She highlighted the importance of including hopeful messages in commercials to sway public perception towards more positive attitudes, behaviours and beliefs. Referring to the daily busy schedules for most people, she noted that making time and giving undivided attention to the family is particularly important in strengthening family bonds.
Furthermore, First Lady Fazna encouraged all Maldivians to show love and respect towards their parents and said that treating parents and elders with compassion would inspire their children to follow the same path, as positive change can only be brought forth by nurturing confidence and optimism.
Speaking on the arrangements made to help victims of domestic violence, the first lady said the victim support hotline would provide all the necessary information needed for a comprehensive range of issues. She further noted that a collaborative effort by island councils and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is needed for the work to support victims of domestic violence.