Ministry of Finance along with the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services and Housing Development Corporation have signed a land sale agreement for the development and operation of ‘Amaan Hiya’ or a safe home in Hulhumale’.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didi, and the Managing Director of HDC Hussain Suhail. The home built by the gender ministry with assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB) is for victims of domestic violence, as part of the efforts of making Hulhumale’ a safe haven for all. The shelter is developed under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi noted the importance of providing protection to victims of domestic violence. The minister highlighted the difficulties in providing temporary safety for victims in Male’ City. She said shelters will be developed with ADB assistance in Raa Atoll and Addu City in addition to Hulhumale’. She added the safe shelter in Hulhumale’ would be an exemplary facility that will assure victims of domestic violence will be given complete assistance.
Speaking at the ceremony, Suhail said domestic violence is now widespread in society and highlighted the efforts of the government to prevent such incidents. He expressed delight that such a shelter is being developed in Hulhumale’, adding such facilities are important for a developing community.
Meanwhile, the gender ministry said the project will help prevent gender-based violence. The ministry also said the facility does not only provide temporary shelter and basic needs to the victims of domestic violence but they can also get psychological, social, and legal support.
The number of victims of domestic violence is increasing in the Maldives, according to statistics. The majority of the cases are of various types of domestic violence against women and it has been noted that one of the main reasons for the increase in the numbers is the lack of awareness among victims.
