12 October 2011 – New York. In a statement delivered at the Third Committee of the United Nations, Maldives appealed to the Member States of the United Nations to give meaning to the resolutions that would be adopted, in order for it to be of benefit to women all over the world.
Maldives highlighted the situation of women in the country, in spheres of education, health, employment, etc. Special consideration was also given to the challenges the country faces, in the advancement and enpowerment of women.
The statement also looked into the importance of gender equality and the many initiatives undertaken by the current Government is doing to enpower women of the country. It also mentioned the development of action plans and policies aimed at addressing a range of key concerns for women such as health and well being, violence and safety, decision making, leadership and economic security are being taken at the national and island-community levels.
It noted that the deficiencies faced by women could be addressed by stregthening the democratic and representative system of the government.
In the statement, Maldives also congratulated the winners of this year’s Noble Peace Prize, Ms. Leymah Gbowee, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Ms. Tawakkol Karman of Yemen and expressed condolences to the people of Kenya and the family of the Noble Peace laureate professor Wangari Mathai. It also welcomed the Report by the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, Ms Rashida Manjoo, and reiterated the invitation to the Special Rapporteur to visit the Maldives and offer an independent assessment of the situation.
This statement by Assistant Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Third Committee Representative, Ms. Rishfa Rasheed, was delivered on Agenda Item (28) Advancement of Women, on 12 October 2011.
