Democratisation, Rights and Cultural Norms: The Case of Women in the Maldives
Mariyam Midhfa Naeem
-Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick-
Research funded by the Reinvention Centre for Undergraduate Research
Mariyam Midhfa Naeem
-Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick-
Research funded by the Reinvention Centre for Undergraduate Research
Abstract
In Maldives, women do not participate nearly as much as men, in politics. Especially at decision making levels such as the Parliament and cabinet. Any number of factors could contribute to this outcome. Surveys, interviews and discussion groups led to the result that women are represented fairly and do participate but not at higher levels of politics, especially policy level. This is due to women themselves feeling shy, being passive or other social barriers, culture, traditional norms rather than legal basis. The strength of democratic values in Maldives is determined through the assessment of gender equality.
Keywords: women’s participation, democracy, norms, politics
Introduction
Maldives is a Small Island State nation located in the Indian Ocean. It has a population of 298,968 . Maldives is a 100% Muslim state with the Constitution and the laws having their basis in Shariah Law. With changing governments and changing attitudes towards politics and people becoming more aware and more involved with policies and the policy making process, more women than before are involved in political arena but nearly not enough. Women in government and the Parliament are vastly outnumbered by men. Moreover, the growing streak of religious extremism in the country suppressed women. I wanted to explore the reality of why women did not take part in politics and whether it was because they did not have the right, or because of culture and tradition. Political participation of women in the Maldives has not been studied as much, and therefore, there were no answers available for policy makers or political parties.
Women’s participation and representation are important measures of the quality of democracy. This project aimed to study the quality of democracy in the Maldives through assessing the participation of women in politics . Participation is often affected by culture, legal rights and traditional values and norms that are ingrained in a society. This project also aimed to identify whether cultural values and norms and legal rights were a barrier to women’s political participation. This was achieved through observing current trends of participation of women, determining level of awareness about rights and identifying attitudes towards women in politics, exploring the significance of constitutional rights, norms and observing the attitudes of young people towards politics and political career. This project aimed to add to the research on women’s political participation and the factors affecting it.
In Maldives, women do not participate nearly as much as men, in politics. Especially at decision making levels such as the Parliament and cabinet. Any number of factors could contribute to this outcome. Surveys, interviews and discussion groups led to the result that women are represented fairly and do participate but not at higher levels of politics, especially policy level. This is due to women themselves feeling shy, being passive or other social barriers, culture, traditional norms rather than legal basis. The strength of democratic values in Maldives is determined through the assessment of gender equality.
Keywords: women’s participation, democracy, norms, politics
Introduction
Maldives is a Small Island State nation located in the Indian Ocean. It has a population of 298,968 . Maldives is a 100% Muslim state with the Constitution and the laws having their basis in Shariah Law. With changing governments and changing attitudes towards politics and people becoming more aware and more involved with policies and the policy making process, more women than before are involved in political arena but nearly not enough. Women in government and the Parliament are vastly outnumbered by men. Moreover, the growing streak of religious extremism in the country suppressed women. I wanted to explore the reality of why women did not take part in politics and whether it was because they did not have the right, or because of culture and tradition. Political participation of women in the Maldives has not been studied as much, and therefore, there were no answers available for policy makers or political parties.
Women’s participation and representation are important measures of the quality of democracy. This project aimed to study the quality of democracy in the Maldives through assessing the participation of women in politics . Participation is often affected by culture, legal rights and traditional values and norms that are ingrained in a society. This project also aimed to identify whether cultural values and norms and legal rights were a barrier to women’s political participation. This was achieved through observing current trends of participation of women, determining level of awareness about rights and identifying attitudes towards women in politics, exploring the significance of constitutional rights, norms and observing the attitudes of young people towards politics and political career. This project aimed to add to the research on women’s political participation and the factors affecting it.
Methodology
The research was carried out in three stages. The first was the preparation stage, secondly the field data collection stage and thirdly, the analysis stage.
The research was carried out in three stages. The first was the preparation stage, secondly the field data collection stage and thirdly, the analysis stage.
In the first stage, letters were prepared and sent to all concerned authorities to obtain approval for surveying and also obtain interviews with political parties, school, and other offices concerned. The survey questionnaire was drafted and sent for printing. The surveying area was determined.
In the second stage, documentary analysis was carried out together with field work. Documentary analysis, especially of the constitution and reports of CEDAW on state of women in Maldives along with local reports of surveys provided a much-needed background on the status of women in Maldives. The field work contained interviews and also surveying. Interviews were arranged with two groups of 17-19 year olds, including boys and girls, from the Centre for Higher Secondary Education. The purpose of these interviews were to garner their views on the participation of women in politics and whether they believed there was a gender bias in Maldivian society. These interviews also provided information on what kind of career choices the young people had made and what affected these choices. One hour long interviews were also arranged with 3 political parties. Originally, 6 political parties with the highest number of members were contacted for interviews, but 3 parties did not return calls or letters. These interviews provided an insight into activities within the party and how women were involved in them. It also provided a picture of Maldivian society and the party’s perceptions on how and why women did/did not participate. Interviewing face-to-face gave the opportunity to interact personally and talk candidly with several figureheads of Maldivian politics. The surveying was carried out over two weeks. It was initially aimed at 250 participants in the capital, Male’. However, the number had to be revised to 130 as bad weather and the start of fasting month delayed surveying. The survey aimed to identify the attitudes of men and women towards women in politics, awareness of rights given to women through the constitution and ultimately identify any gender bias in society. The survey was carried out personally, rather than through telephone or post, firstly because this has mostly been the method used in Maldives to survey and secondly, as it provided a more personal touch and the surveyed, talked more openly and connected with the interviewer.
In the third stage, analysis of the collected data took place. Reports were written on all the field work done and the survey was analysed using Microsoft Excel. This stage took over 2 weeks. The final report was written based on all the reports written previously.
Results
Documentary Analysis:
Results
Documentary Analysis:
Analysis of several reports on status of women showed that several improvements and efforts have been made by the government towards improving status of women. The current Constitution includes a provision on non-discrimination on the basis of sex. The human Rights Commission also puts great emphasis on the rights of women and provides mechanisms of seeking redress in the incidences of violations of rights. All bills proposed by the government encouraged non-discrimination on grounds of sex, and attempts to remove existing social and legal barriers. Positive discrimination was not approved as it was seen as encouraging discrimination against men. However, the political party bill is still up for discussion in parliament and is seen as an opportunity to lobby for a quota for women in legislature.
1 in 5 women aged 15-49 who have ever been in a relationship have been physically or sexually abused in some form by their partner. 1 in 9 women aged 15-49experience severe physical abuse from their intimate partners, such as kicking, choking, being punched, burnt or have a weapon used against her. 1 in 3 women aged 15-49 years have answered to having suffered some form of sexual or physical violence at least once during her lifetime. The rate of child sexual abuse is relatively high. However, fewer cases are reported. Physical abuse may force women to stay hidden and shy away from high profile political activity and be passive.
Interviews at Centre for Higher Secondary Education:
Interviews at Centre for Higher Secondary Education:
All students accept that there are socially accepted “female” jobs and “male” jobs. Generally, students mistrust politicians and regard them as selfish and unqualified. Students said that when electing politicians, gender was not an issue but capability was. Most students identified honesty and capability as the key areas they look for in rating a politicians; female or male. However, they do not believe that a woman can be president because of religious beliefs and cultural values. Most students also think that women themselves do not want to take up high profile roles and they are not able to because of their other responsibilities. Most students believe that a woman’s first priority should be home and with their family while a man’s first priority should be work and home.
Interviews with Representatives with Political Parties:
Political parties do not discriminate amongst men and women. Women are clearly a part of political parties as indicated by membership records. In some parties (DRP) women outnumber men. However, representatives acknowledge that few women are able to break through from grass root level politics and advance into party leadership roles and other higher political office. All representatives cite social problems such as women not having enough exposure and skills, and personality problems such as women not having enough confidence and being too shy as factors that lead towards women not being as active as men in higher politics. Other factors such as financial dependency, geographical challenges and women not having enough time are also mentioned. Religious extremism is also a growing concern. Parties also cite traditional views of women as passive and shy and uninvolved, changing over time. Parties have identified that women’s participation is necessary and are taking appropriate measures to ensure that women are adequately represented (forming women’s wing, etc). However, more needs to be done by political parties to ensure that more women run for parliament, are more active in day-to-day running and executive positions of the party itself.
Survey:
Interviews with Representatives with Political Parties:
Political parties do not discriminate amongst men and women. Women are clearly a part of political parties as indicated by membership records. In some parties (DRP) women outnumber men. However, representatives acknowledge that few women are able to break through from grass root level politics and advance into party leadership roles and other higher political office. All representatives cite social problems such as women not having enough exposure and skills, and personality problems such as women not having enough confidence and being too shy as factors that lead towards women not being as active as men in higher politics. Other factors such as financial dependency, geographical challenges and women not having enough time are also mentioned. Religious extremism is also a growing concern. Parties also cite traditional views of women as passive and shy and uninvolved, changing over time. Parties have identified that women’s participation is necessary and are taking appropriate measures to ensure that women are adequately represented (forming women’s wing, etc). However, more needs to be done by political parties to ensure that more women run for parliament, are more active in day-to-day running and executive positions of the party itself.
Survey:
Based on survey, women in Maldives can go out to work, take care of their families and also take part in politics. This is evident as most of the surveyed replied that there is opportunity for women to participate in politics. Most people also replied that women should do both work and take care of their families. Women are encouraged to take part in politics as Maldivian society views women’s participation in politics important. However, this participation is evidently discouraged at political rallies because of its unsavoury view in society. Also due to the traditional perception of women as passive.
There are rights given to women in the Constitution. The Constitution does not discriminate between women and men when contesting for President, Vice-President or Member of Parliament. We can therefore conclude that Maldivian society is generally aware of the rights given to women in the Constitution; especially regarding Parliament, Cabinet and political jobs, political party membership. However, people may not be aware as well, of there being no discrimination against women to contest for president. Although half of the respondents agree that there is legal right for women to contest for president, a lesser number said that they would vote for a female or support a female candidate, most respondents saying that they would vote for a man given the choice between a female and male candidate. Pre-held beliefs and cultural elements such as interpretations of religion may influence this number.
Political parties rank favourably as providing enough opportunities for women to participate in politics rather than being setbacks. Female politicians also generally ranked as performing favourably in the 4 key areas discussed; trustworthiness, honesty, capacity and education. Most people believe that female MPs perform equally to men in the parliament. People therefore, support women who contest for Parliament and believe that they can get enough support to win.
We can conclude that apart from the office of the President, Maldivian society will accept women into political posts, parliament and parties. Women are not discouraged from participating in politics and opportunities for women exist. Women generally do not take part in politics because of pre-held beliefs about religion, women’s own capability and personality, social problems such as low pay, lack of child care facilities and family obligations, not due to legal issues or because women perform badly in politics. Men do not discriminate against women in politics, apart from president. This survey is not by any means conclusive and reflective of the entire Maldivian society. Viewpoints may differ between the atolls (rural) and Male’ (urban). However, because of the small number of respondents and the nature of their demographic, this variable cannot be measured. The survey took place in Male’ only, which may or may not have affected the results. Education qualifications are also too sharply skewed in one direction to take into account.
Conclusion and outcome
This project aimed to study the quality of democracy in the Maldives through assessing the participation of women in politics. The working hypothesis was “women’s participation is low due to cultural norms shaped by religion, traditions and gender bias”.
The documentary analysis showed that women have equal rights to men in the constitution and laws. Women have equal rights to vote, stand up for political posts and even the highest post in the country . In the past, women have stood up for parliament but not nearly as many as men. Women are abused in Maldivian society. This can mean that the social standing of women is not comparable to men. Women do take part in politics through political parties and their activities. Their participation is seen as important. Women are encouraged and nominated for political posts. However, there is gender bias in jobs due to traditional perceptions of women and men and the kind of work they can do, which exists in most societies. These stereotypes are evident in young people’s viewpoints as well and suggest that these are culturally and socially accepted beliefs. Unless these beliefs are overpowered, women cannot break the biases in society and in politics. In the political arena, women and men are more or less equal in terms of opportunities, current trends and rights. Women are not discriminated against and men do not push women down. However, it is evident that men and women do not believe that a woman can be president. This is generally due to culture shaped mostly by religion and perceptions of women. Women’s political participation is hindered by social problems. Women themselves are reluctant of being active in politics. This may be due to the nature of politics in Maldives as well. Therefore, it is fitting to conclude that women’s participation is not low relatively. However, it is affected by cultural norms shaped by religion and tradition and legal rights, especially at higher levels and ranks. Democratisation entails full realisation of gender equality. And therefore, more efforts need to be made for more gender equality and thus, a stronger democratic state.
There are rights given to women in the Constitution. The Constitution does not discriminate between women and men when contesting for President, Vice-President or Member of Parliament. We can therefore conclude that Maldivian society is generally aware of the rights given to women in the Constitution; especially regarding Parliament, Cabinet and political jobs, political party membership. However, people may not be aware as well, of there being no discrimination against women to contest for president. Although half of the respondents agree that there is legal right for women to contest for president, a lesser number said that they would vote for a female or support a female candidate, most respondents saying that they would vote for a man given the choice between a female and male candidate. Pre-held beliefs and cultural elements such as interpretations of religion may influence this number.
Political parties rank favourably as providing enough opportunities for women to participate in politics rather than being setbacks. Female politicians also generally ranked as performing favourably in the 4 key areas discussed; trustworthiness, honesty, capacity and education. Most people believe that female MPs perform equally to men in the parliament. People therefore, support women who contest for Parliament and believe that they can get enough support to win.
We can conclude that apart from the office of the President, Maldivian society will accept women into political posts, parliament and parties. Women are not discouraged from participating in politics and opportunities for women exist. Women generally do not take part in politics because of pre-held beliefs about religion, women’s own capability and personality, social problems such as low pay, lack of child care facilities and family obligations, not due to legal issues or because women perform badly in politics. Men do not discriminate against women in politics, apart from president. This survey is not by any means conclusive and reflective of the entire Maldivian society. Viewpoints may differ between the atolls (rural) and Male’ (urban). However, because of the small number of respondents and the nature of their demographic, this variable cannot be measured. The survey took place in Male’ only, which may or may not have affected the results. Education qualifications are also too sharply skewed in one direction to take into account.
Conclusion and outcome
This project aimed to study the quality of democracy in the Maldives through assessing the participation of women in politics. The working hypothesis was “women’s participation is low due to cultural norms shaped by religion, traditions and gender bias”.
The documentary analysis showed that women have equal rights to men in the constitution and laws. Women have equal rights to vote, stand up for political posts and even the highest post in the country . In the past, women have stood up for parliament but not nearly as many as men. Women are abused in Maldivian society. This can mean that the social standing of women is not comparable to men. Women do take part in politics through political parties and their activities. Their participation is seen as important. Women are encouraged and nominated for political posts. However, there is gender bias in jobs due to traditional perceptions of women and men and the kind of work they can do, which exists in most societies. These stereotypes are evident in young people’s viewpoints as well and suggest that these are culturally and socially accepted beliefs. Unless these beliefs are overpowered, women cannot break the biases in society and in politics. In the political arena, women and men are more or less equal in terms of opportunities, current trends and rights. Women are not discriminated against and men do not push women down. However, it is evident that men and women do not believe that a woman can be president. This is generally due to culture shaped mostly by religion and perceptions of women. Women’s political participation is hindered by social problems. Women themselves are reluctant of being active in politics. This may be due to the nature of politics in Maldives as well. Therefore, it is fitting to conclude that women’s participation is not low relatively. However, it is affected by cultural norms shaped by religion and tradition and legal rights, especially at higher levels and ranks. Democratisation entails full realisation of gender equality. And therefore, more efforts need to be made for more gender equality and thus, a stronger democratic state.
Doing research helped me to understand several things about my own country, such as the nature of politics and political parties and identify areas in which Maldivian society lacks awareness; legal awareness. It also helped me to identify my own strengths and weaknesses and how to improve them. I have developed a keen interest in social research and aim to continue with similar projects after my degree. The project helped me to horn my organisation skills and learn how to deal patiently with people. I had to revise and reconsider my research aims and methodology several times during the project and this was a test of patience and perseverance. Taking up research in a community where people are not very willing to talk to researchers and surveyors and where people have a general mistrust of politics and politicians is a challenge. Moreover, taking a survey about women’s participation in politics was a bigger challenge due to perceptions of women in society. Identifying how to connect with people and learning how to interact with high profile politicians, was an honour and a challenge.
The findings of the research project were shared on my personal blog and received favourable comments from the readers. Information about the research was circulated through word of mouth and through email amongst friends and acquaintances. Several people have encouraged continuing with more social research in the future.
Throughout the research project, my family and friends were always helpful and encouraged me and I would like to thank them. I also want to acknowledge all the offices and political parties for their time and knowledge. Lastly, I would like to thank the Reinvention Centre for Undergraduate Research for the opportunity and the means to discover more about my country and myself.
References
Census 2006 est. Source: Department of National Planning, Republic of Maldives. Available at: http://planning.gov.mv/en/content/view/38/5/ (accessed on 18/09/2009)
Ministry of Gender and Family (2007), “CEDAW Second and Third Combined Periodic Report of Maldives”
Ministry of Gender and Family (2007), “The Maldives Study on Women’s Health and Life Experiences: Initial results on prevalence, health outcomes and women’s responses to violence”
The Maldivian Constitution (2008)
Supplementary information
Annex 1: Report of meetings with political parties
Annex 2: Report of meetings with students from CHSE
Annex 3: Survey findings and analysis
References
Census 2006 est. Source: Department of National Planning, Republic of Maldives. Available at: http://planning.gov.mv/en/content/view/38/5/ (accessed on 18/09/2009)
Ministry of Gender and Family (2007), “CEDAW Second and Third Combined Periodic Report of Maldives”
Ministry of Gender and Family (2007), “The Maldives Study on Women’s Health and Life Experiences: Initial results on prevalence, health outcomes and women’s responses to violence”
The Maldivian Constitution (2008)
Supplementary information
Annex 1: Report of meetings with political parties
Annex 2: Report of meetings with students from CHSE
Annex 3: Survey findings and analysis
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