Shahid meets party's female candidates to mark International Women's Day
Highlighting the expanding role of women in the Maldivian political landscape, the MDP leadership underscored the party's ongoing efforts to empower women through the decentralization system. During the meeting, leaders urged candidates to collaborate and support one another in overcoming the systemic challenges women face in politics. Furthermore, the party leadership noted that the transition of women from Women's Development Committees to local councils represents significant progress, expressing their hope to see more women ascending to national-level political positions in the future.
MDP President Abdulla Shahid. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
On the occasion of International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8, MDP President Abdulla Shahid met with the party's candidates contesting for local councils and Women's Development Committees (WDC) in the upcoming local elections.
Female candidates from across the Maldives participated in the meeting, which was held online.
Speaking at the meeting, Shahid stated that the long-held perception of politics being a male-dominated field is changing, noting that Maldivian women are now demonstrating significant political passion and enthusiasm. He further highlighted that the benefits of the decentralization system are now evident, following the introduction of dedicated council seats for women and the election of members to Women's Development Committees (WDCs). Shahid also underscored the role of the MDP in reforming the system to ensure that women's voices are integral to the decentralized governance framework.
Despite being a small nation with a modest population, the Maldives has a history distinguished by the prominent roles played by women. Women have held the highest office of leadership, serving as monarchs. Beyond governance, they have made significant contributions across various vital sectors, playing a pivotal role in economic development and nation-building. Furthermore, women have been instrumental in the preservation of the nation's history and cultural heritage.MDP President Abdulla Shahid
MDP President Abdulla Shahid held a meeting with female candidates for local councils and Women's Development Committees. The meeting was also attended by MDP Vice President Hisaan Hussain, President of the MDP Women's Wing Rozaina Adam, and Vice President of the Women's Wing Mariyam Eema Shafeeq.
Speaking at the meeting, Rozaina highlighted that it is a significant step forward to see women contesting for general council seats in addition to those specifically reserved for them. She also noted that several individuals who previously served on Women's Development Committees (WDC) had contested for council seats. Rozaina expressed her hope that the emerging female leadership in the islands would aspire to run for the People's Majlis in the future. Furthermore, she commended the party's President, Abdulla Shahid, for his dedicated efforts toward women's empowerment.
In her remarks, MDP Vice President Hisaan Hussain urged female candidates to work together and support one another in overcoming the unique challenges women face in the political arena. She highlighted that the party's female candidates are resilient individuals with long-standing careers in political activism. Furthermore, Hisaan emphasized that the contribution of women to the progress of the MDP is an undeniable and indispensable factor in the party's success.
