Vice President Abdulla Jihad has stated that it is high time to break the norms established in the society which restrict the role of women. The Maldivian Vice President further applauded President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom for his efforts in empowering women in the society.
Addressing the official function held to mark the International Women's Day, Vice President Abdulla Jihad said the role of women has diversified over the years and applauded all women for the exemplary efforts in the society. Vice President Jihad noted the major achievements by Maldivian women in the education sector testify the tremendous efforts of the government in empowering women. The Vice President urged the importance of increasing the involvement of women in the economic development of the country and highlighted the success of women entrepreneurs loan schemes introduced by the administration. He urged all Maldivian women to make the most from such opportunities provided by the government and to be exemplary figures in the community.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Gender and Family Zenysha Shaheed Zaki said bringing women to the forefront of the nation would revolutionise and diversify the perspective of the country and would enhance the approach of the administration in handling issues related to women. Minister Zeneesha stated the current administration has been exerting major efforts to empower women in Maldives and noted that Maldives currently ranks at the top in the list of countries with women literacy percentage.
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Continuing on, Minister Zeneesha called on Maldivians to stand against any sort of violence and said no individual has the right to diminish the role of women in the society. On this note, the Minister emphasised on the importance of reporting the cases of abuse to de-escalate abuse on women. In the function, Rehendhi Award was conferred to 3 women who excelled in three categories. img:http://s2.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/15205037148462.jpg|
This year the awards were conferred to Aminath Waheedha for her services in health care, Fathimath Nashwa for her services in Maldives Police Service and Zoona Naseem for her services in diving. Ministry of Gender and Family has conferred Rehendhi Award since 2014 to recognise the contributions and services of women towards the development of the community and the nation. img:http://s1.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/15205036889282.jpg| img:http://s1.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/15205037032927.jpg|
International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8 every year to commemorate the movement for women's rights. This year this day is celebrated under the slogan; Time is now: Rural and Urban Activists transforming women's lives.
The theme captures the vibrant life of the women activists whose passion and commitment have won women's rights over the generations and successfully brought change. In addition, it also celebrates an unprecedented global movement for women's rights, equality, safety and justice, recognising the tireless work of activists who have been central to the global push for gender equality.