President-Elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu who takes oath of office tomorrow aims to increase women’s participation by giving more opportunities to them in senior positions in the Government and state-run companies. He also wants to expand the role of women in representing the people by paving new ways for them to participate in the parliamentary elections and incentivizing them to run for such positions.
While the way forward for women in Dr. Muizzu’s government is clear, interesting times are ahead for the very capable women of the nation. The nation awaits to see who the women are that will lead the political dialogue for the next five years, be it from the cabinet, state-run companies, or the parliament.
One of the notable women in politics in the Maldives is former Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon, who served as the first female Foreign Minister of the nation. Her tenure in office was met with challenging times, acting as a shield in protecting the nation from the heavy criticism levied on it by the world during the great political turmoil of the time.
But her voice never faded, in fact echoed amid the international community. Her voice was our voice – one of the most notable moments of her time in office included her calls for the reform of the United Nations to better address the needs of small island states such as the Maldives.
While her experience in the field of foreign affairs is unmatched, Dunya has also been vocal on issues that need to be amplified. As such, she has been consistently raising her voice against the endless crimes against women, advocating for gender equality, ending violence against women, and much more.
She has always been a champion of women’s rights and has advocated to increase the participation of women in politics, especially in the parliament.
In a previous interview, Dunya stated that she still would like to work and serve in the best interest of the people. She aims to do work that would be accepted and welcomed by the people and wishes to continue doing the same.
“I believe that the best way to serve is by coming to a position within the government. Or through the parliament. I want to serve the people sincerely at every given opportunity. I have been very blessed, and privileged in pursuing studies and serving the country. So now I need to serve the people in whatever capacity that I can.”
Dunya’s words echoed that women in the Maldives have opportunities to serve, be it in the government or the parliament. This is evident in the works of women like Dunya. She remains an example for Maldivian women, who wish to find a way forward.
While Dr. Muizzu works toward increasing the participation of women in the upcoming parliamentary election, has been consistently supporting the ‘Women Forward’ initiative. While Dunya continues to state that she wants to serve the people, the question remains as to how. Would she stand for the parliament to amplify the voices of the people? Or would she join the government to formulate policies related to the people?
