Woman as peacebuilding & agent of change in the Maldives

Abstract

On behalf of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, I would like to thank the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Maldives and the Government of Japan for their generous assistance in the publication of this important study. It is most refreshing, if not heartening, to see the words “women”, “peace-builders”, “agents” and “change” in the same sentence. At a time when we are battling the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism on our pristine shores famed for peace, we are finally putting our women where they rightfully belong, which is at the center of this key debate on peace-building and change-making. In many ways, the Maldivian woman is the anchor of her island community. She holds the key to many, if not most, of life’s questions. When terror strikes, it is she and her children who pay the heaviest price, be it financially, emotionally or socially. Today, her voice needs to be heard more than ever before, and her concerns addressed through concrete action and policy responses. As outlined in the Report, a gender-inclusive approach to peacebuilding is the need of the hour, given the multiple benefits this would bring to our homes and communities. It is this approach that speaks to the core of President Solih’s administration’s efforts to ensure the participation of women in all avenues of society, including peace-building