Democracy House, with assistance from UNDP, organized a panel discussion on the theme “Women in Politics” on 30^th March 2010. The event also included the national level launching of UNDP’s 2010 Asia Pacific Human Development Report (APHDR), by the Minister for Health and Family, Dr. Aminath Jameel. The event was broadcast live from Television Maldives.

Addressing in the function, Minister for Health and Family, Dr. Aminath Jameel stated that active involvement of women in the society not only benefits women, but the society at large, including the family and economy. She highlighted the importance of facilitating opportunities for women in the educational, economical and political spheres. She spoke of the need to raise gender awareness and the need for building capacity in order to maximize opportunities and enhance the performance of women

UNDP’s officer in Charge, Dr Arun Kashyap, in his remarks stated that deficit in women’s rights, voice and power is at the heart of gender inequality and achieving gender equality is a pre-requisite to human development. He highlighted that the the 2010 Asia Pacific Human Development Report is hoped to offer a forum for different stakeholders to further their dialogue and structure debate on the issue. The report, he stated should support a people centered agenda to promote gender equality. He also raised serious concern that women are increasingly becoming subject to violence and discriminatory practices. He mentioned that women’s empowerment and gender equality is a human right and lies at the heart of achieving all of the millennium development goals. For this reason, he reiterated that UNDP will continue to integrate gender equality and women empowerment in the areas of their work.

The launch of the APHDR, was followed by a panel discussion on the theme “Women in Politics”. The discussion was moderated by Mohamed Anil, a lawyer by profession and also one of the founder members of Democracy House.

Panelist Eva Abdulla, Parliament Member of the Galolhu Uthuru Constituency stated that even today women continue to face daunting challenges in participating in politics and public life and that the best instrument for women to face these challenges is their voice. Where women constitute half of the population, their participation is necessary for a democracy to function effectively. The participation of women in the political arena becomes important because this is the domain where laws are passed and policies are designed. Hence, women should be part of the conceptualization, design and delivery of laws and policies that affects their everyday life. Further topics such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, discrimination based on gender, reproductive health are issues that women have to increasingly face and thereby women are better equipped to address and advocate for such issues. She also highlighted that for women to participate in politics, the parliament is not only the channel. Women lobby groups and Civil Society are also effective mediums to influence policies and strategies. In her closing remarks, she stated that the country is undergoing a transition towards democratic reform and hence, this is a good opportunity for women to take a step further in participating in shaping structural changes.

Panelist Shahindha Ismail, President of the Police Integrity Commission, raised her concerns about the lack of awareness among the women themselves and in the society as a major barrier for women’s participation in public life.  Shahindha highlighted incidents and occurrences where women continue to tolerate different types of discrimination and injustice done to them due to different reasons. One of these reasons is because they face such situations from their spouse or a close family member. She called upon women to be more independent and courageous in taking necessary actions for different unfair treatment received by women. She also spoke of the responsibility of State Institutions to safeguard women in general and especially those that advocate for women’s rights.

Usthaazaa A. Shujune Mohamed, a Civil Court Judge outlined the local and international laws in place for gender equality. In the Article 17 of the Maldivian Constitution, it is clearly stated that everyone is entitled to the rights and freedoms included in the Chapter Two of the Constitution, without any discrimination of any kind. Article 20 of the Constitution states that every individual is equal before the Law, and has the right to equal protection and equal benefits. Further, Article 26 of the Constitution states that every citizen of the Maldives eighteen years of age or older has the right to vote in elections and public referendums, run for public office ad also take part in the conduct of public affairs.  It is also translated from Article 62 of the Constitution that the enumeration of rights and freedoms in Chapter Two are guaranteed equally to both sexes. In the interpretation of Article 68, it is articulated that when interpreting and applying the rights and freedoms contained in Chapter Two of the Constitution, a court or tribunal shall promote the values that underlie an open and democratic society based on human dignity, equality and freedom, and shall consider international treaties signed by the Maldives.

In her final remarks, she stated that although the rights are ensured in paper, it is important that these rights are implemented, practiced and understood by all segments of society.

This evening concluded with a song on “Women in Politics”  made specially for the occasion and delivered live.

For more information and to access the 2010 Asia-Pacific Human Development Report and the complete press kit please visit: http://www2.undprcc.lk/ext/pvr/