Family dynamics, shifting aspirations, and urbanization have introduced new vulnerabilities even as basic services like health and education reach near-universal levels.
Behind every brutal act of violence is a quieter process — the steady nurturing of hate, entitlement, and dehumanization. If we want to stop the violence, we must understand where it begins.
The horrific sexual assault case currently unfolding in the Maldives—where a woman lies intubated while alleged perpetrators walk free—brings into sharp focus a crisis of justice and accountability.
As someone who has spent over a decade advocating for disability rights in our island nation, I’ve witnessed firsthand how progressive legislation, while crucial, often fails to manifest as meaningful change in the lives of persons with disabilities.
This unilateral approach to urban development, bypassing established planning frameworks and stakeholder engagement, signals a concerning gap between democratic principles and development planning.
The past 10 years have seen India navigate the ebbs and flows of Maldivian politics: from the ‘India-First’ stance of one government to the ‘#IndiaOut’ of another, Maldives has been a true litmus test for India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
As we mark International Women’s Day 2025 a sobering assessment of the Maldivian reality reveals not just stagnation but even regression in the status of women here.
The motto “Nothing About Us Without Us” relies on the principle of participation, and it has been used by Disabled Peoples Organizations throughout the years as part of the global movement to achieve full participation and equalization of opportunities for, by, and with persons with disabilities.
What made it such a challenge was that my disability was invisible, and it took years to get a proper diagnosis – something that’s unfortunately all too common for many people living with hidden conditions.
Lowering the MACR would be a step backward for Maldivian society, abandoning principles of the best interest of the child and risking the well-being and future potential of the nation’s children.
In a very practical sense, we always pay for the excesses of the state, any state. We, the citizens pay for the ill-disciplined extravagances of the government either through explicit taxes, or due to the result of inflation and finally by contributing to repay national debt, in fact with interest.
When we talk about national level long term development planning it is not surprising to focus on the ‘big stuff’. The million-dollar mega projects. The flamboyant renderings and images.
Freedom of information is an integral part of the fundamental right of freedom of expression, as expressed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the right to information underpins all other rights.
Due to their composition, the soil in these islands tend to be proorer, and from a human exposure standpoint, settelements face particular chanllenges such as coastal inundation by high tides, while fresh water remains scarce.
Austerity measures now grip 6.7 billion people globally, with international institutions identifying nearly 80 low- and middle-income countries in either debt distress or at risk of falling into it.
This analysis explores the extent to which the Maldives’ 2025 Budget aligns with the key investments needed to maximize the demographic dividend, while also considering the impact of high debt levels and a significant fiscal deficit.
What made it such a challenge was that my disability was invisible, and it took years to get a proper diagnosis – something that’s unfortunately all too common for many people living with hidden conditions.
Last week brought to light the Telegram nude content case in the Maldives serving as a glaring example of violence against women and girls in digital contexts, shedding light on the systemic gender-based violence occurring within online spaces.
Following the first democratic, multiparty elections held in the Maldives in 2008, the change of power was perceived as the end of an era and heralding a new one.
The government of Maldives has introduced an “Urban Development Bill” to the Parliament. The proposed Bill, if passed in its current form, threatens to unravel years of progress towards decentralised governance and, thereby the Maldives’ path to building robust democratic institutions.
At the heart of this crisis lies a troubling pattern: short-sighted political manoeuvres that prioritise immediate gains over long-term economic stability. This approach has not only jeopardised the nation’s fiscal health but has also set the stage for a potential economic meltdown that could rival or even surpass the challenges faced by our regional neighbours.
The Maldives faces a precarious economic situation following Fitch’s downgrade to ‘CC’. With dwindling foreign exchange reserves and rising external debt, the country risks defaulting on its obligations.
For the local governance system in the Maldives, change appears to have been the only constant. The Decentralization Act has been revised and amended fervently throughout the period of its existence, over the past 14 years.
It is, of course, frightfully alarming that the Sustainable Development Report 2024 tells us that we have regressed as a country in making sure our women have equal representation and participation in the labour force.
The core of our work is conducting rigorous research and analysis on a wide range of policy issues, economic trends, and social developments. Our expertise and focus areas include:
Good governance
Promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government institutions. We analyse governance structures and best practices from around the world to recommend reforms that enhance democracy, citizen participation, combat corruption, prevent torture, ensure compliance with the human rights treaties/mechanism and improve public service delivery.
Foreign Policy
Examining the Maldives’ international relations, diplomatic strategies, and regional alliances. We provide insights focused on crucial foreign policy and national security challenges facing the Maldives, offering strategic recommendations.
Decentralisation and Local Governance
Studying the effectiveness of local governance structures and decentralisation efforts. We propose strategies to empower local councils, and women’s development committees and improve service delivery at the atoll and island level.
SDGs
Assessing the Maldives’ progress towards Sustainable Development Goals. We identify challenges, opportunities, and policy interventions to accelerate the achievement of these global objectives.
Economic Trends
Monitoring and forecasting economic and financial developments in the Maldives. We provide analysis on key sectors, economic indicators, and policy recommendations to foster sustainable growth.
Social Issues
Investigating social challenges facing the Maldives, based on recent data and experiences. We propose policies addressing demographic shifts, including ageing population, youth unemployment, higher education demands, housing needs, and other emerging social concerns. We recommend policies to address gender disparities and promote inclusive development across all sectors.
