President Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Women and Girls from Violence

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a Maldives where all women and girls can live free from violence, as the country marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign.

In his message, the President called for the elimination of all forms of violence, noting that rapid technological and Artificial Intelligence advances have increased the risks of digital abuse. According to the President’s Office, he said this year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” highlights the growing prevalence of online harassment and exploitation, and emphasised that technology must serve as a tool for empowerment.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

The President outlined national efforts to strengthen legal and institutional protections, including the Sixth Amendment to the Penal Code, enacted in December 2024, which introduced a comprehensive framework to address cybercrime and define acts of digital abuse. He also noted that the Maldives’ signing of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in October 2025 demonstrates its commitment to international cooperation on technology-enabled violence.

On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting every woman and girl from all forms of violence. It is our responsibility to build a society where safety and security are guaranteed for all.

As our…— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) November 25, 2025

However, he said legislation alone is insufficient and called for broader awareness, education, and support systems to foster digital responsibility, the President’s Office said. He urged society to work together to ensure women and girls feel safe in both physical and online environments.

In a related post on X, President Muizzu reiterated the Administration’s commitment to safeguarding women and girls, stating that increasing digital connectivity has heightened the risks of online harassment. He called for collective action to ensure emerging technologies uplift and empower them.

“As our lives become increasingly interconnected through technology, the risks of online harassment and exploitation grow. Let us work together to ensure that emerging technologies empower and uplift women and girls, and provide a safe space for their development as well as the progress of our nation,” President Muizzu said on X.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed also shared a message on X, expressing solidarity with those affected by violence. She said every woman and girl deserves safety, dignity, and the freedom to thrive, and stressed that digital abuse must not be normalised. She called for joint efforts to build safer digital and physical spaces for women and girls.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed annually on 25 November, marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism, aimed at raising awareness, advocating for policy reform, and preventing violence against women and girls.