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Friends of Maldives dedicates International Women’s day 2006 to all Maldivian Women

Today, the 8th of March 2006, the world is celebrating Women’s Day. On this occasion, Friends of Maldives (FOM) wishes to highlight the struggle of Maldivian women for freedom and democracy, and those affected by the Tsunami, fighting to provide for their families.

In the Atolls hit by the Tsunami, mothers are struggling to feed their children, provide them a shelter, and keep the family unity. In a recent report by Action Aid, they are the gender most vulnerable to social problems. The displaced population living in shelters suffers from unemployment, overcrowding and lack of hygienic living conditions. Women are very often victims of violence and sexual abuse. Little girls and young women are trying to complete their education despite the disruption of their curriculum caused by the lack of teachers and schooling facilities. FOM dedicates this day to 17 years old Laila, living in Hulumale’ shelters who dreams to become a journalist.

Women in the Maldives also struggle for freedom. Maryam Manike is fighting to obtain justice for her son Evan Naseem who was brutally murdered by his prison guards. She herself was arrested in August 2004 for attending a peaceful demonstration, and was kept in detention for months without charges and subjected to physical and mental abuses by the police.

Member of the opposition party the Maldivian Democratic Party, Fathimath Shiuna was arrested in the middle of the night by a group of male officers in February 2006 for demonstrating peacefully. The 23 year old woman was subjected to humiliating treatment during her arrest, unable to change from her night clothes and is still under detention without charges.

President Gayoom claimed in a recent speech that Maldives enjoyed freedom of press. However, journalists are constantly intimidated or under prosecution, a price highly paid by photojournalist Jennifer Latheef, who is serving a 10 years sentence for “terrorism”. Following international pressure, she has been transferred to house arrest in order to undergo medical treatment for the torture she suffered in prison when she was detained without charges in 2004.

On this day, FOM calls on the government of Maldives for the unconditional release of Jennifer Latheef and Fathimath Shiuna.