Hinnavaru MP Jeehan Mahmood has urged the people not to give into intimidation and oppression especially towards women that go into the political arena.
Jeehan encouraged women at the closing ceremony of the third programme of Practice Parliament for Women, which is being conducted by the Maldives Parliament in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the assistance of the Australian Government to empower women in politics.
The programme is a great encouragement to women, she said, adding that the attitude towards women in the Maldives must change. The belief that women can only do certain things in a field and that there are limitations to their growth should be ended, Jeehan said.
This attitude can be changed, she said, by increasing the participation of women in politics and having the courage to have a say and make decisions.
Jeehan said insults are also used to marginalise women in politics. She said they will criticise the person's personality, behavior, the way they are dressed, speech, family, acquaintances, and friends through social media and other ways.
Jeehan said their purpose was to discourage and intimidate in various ways.
“I am saying this from my own experience,” she said.
"Don't hesitate. That's the purpose of [harassment]. You yourself will know your honesty and sincerity. You don't have to give an explanation to anyone else," Jeehan said.
There will be people who will do everything possible to intimidate them into making more mistakes in politics, she said.
"They will attack people who are related to you. Don't hesitate. If women enter this field, a lot of men will lose their opportunity within this field," she said.
She said women are in politics, and those who hope to move forward should be brave for future female leaders of this country.
Jeehan also asked not to take part in another woman's suffering in political life. There will always be the fear of it coming back to them and the challenges that arise because they are women, she said.
She said the mindset that women cannot do certain things needs to be changed in parliament and other areas. Jeehan sits on the Gender and Human Rights Committee and has a role on the Social Committee.
Jeehan said that not as many women are involved in decision-making, financing, or budgeting, adding that this attitude needs to be changed.
Women should break the belief that they can only do certain things and grow in whatever they are passionate about, Jeehan said.
Noting that more than 170 women have participated in the Practice Parliament programme so far, Jeehan urged them to contest the elections. She hoped that their names would be on the ballot in the upcoming elections.
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