Former Health Minister, Dr. Mariyam Shakeela, has stated that women's rights are not fully ensured in the Maldives despite existing laws.

Dr. Shakeela made the remarks while speaking at the 9th 'Women, Peace, and Security Forum' held at Bandos Island Resort by International Civil Society Action Network.

She said that the Maldives is one of the first countries to write the constitution in 1932, adding that the laws were written to empower women in the political arena. As such, the Gender Ministry in Maldives was founded in 1993 with the aim of empowering women, Dr. Shakeela said during her address. She added that the Maldives has family laws, gender equality equality laws and women's development committees that work towards women empowerment in the country.

During her address, she raised the question whether the existing laws were enforced in the Maldives.

"I would say the existing laws are enforced selectively. We have failed to enforce, act on, and monitor these laws", Dr. Shakeela said.

She highlighted the challenges women face within the society, adding that women often face physical violence which are driven by the religious beliefs of some.

International Civil Society and Action Network (ICAN) is hosting the 'Women, Peace, and Security Forum' in partnership with Addu Women’s Association (AWA) Maldives, bringing together locally rooted women peacebuilders from the Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership (WASL) from over 40 countries in addition to other key international actors and policymakers. The forum will continue until 3 June.

ICAN is an organisation which promotes inclusive and sustainable peace in countries affected by violent conflict, extremism, militarism, and closing political space.