WIM calls for foreign minister's resignation

Women in Management (WIM) has called for Foreign Minister Dr. Mohamed Asim’s resignation, following multiple sexual harassment allegations against him.

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the minister had harassed at least three female employees. The ministry on Thursday released a statement confirming that it was investigating a sexual harassment case against “a senior official”.

Since then, Maldives Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mohamed Hussain Shareef has confirmed that it is indeed the minister that has been accused of sexual misconduct, calling for his resignation.

Ambassador to India, Ahmed Mohamed and Maldives Permanent Representative to the UN Office, Hala Hameed have since backed Shareef’s call, further calling for Asim to refrain from reporting to work as he poses as a threat to “an impartial and independent investigation”.

In a statement issued on Friday, WIM expressed “grave” concern that the allegations are against the ministry’s top official, highlighting that these are the people that should be ensuring a safe environment at work for all employees.

While the foreign ministry has confirmed that its committee on prevention of sexual harassment and abuse is investigating the matter, WIM said that the foreign minister must resign or remove himself from official duty.

“Otherwise, it raises the question whether the foreign ministry or any of the state institutions can investigate the case independently or impartially,” reads the statement.

WIM also called on all to ensure a safe environment for women at the workplace, and to take the necessary steps to improve the system for future victims.