Establishing a society that guarantees safety and security for women and girls is a fundamental responsibility of the government, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said. He articulated the pledge in a public statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Observed annually on 25 November, the day raises awareness of gender‑based violence and calls on governments, communities, and individuals to take responsibility for change.
In his official statement, delivered via a post on X, President Muizzu underscored rising security challenges posed by modern technology and said protecting every woman and girl from all types of violence is a government priority. He added that constructing a society that guarantees safety and security for all individuals is essential.
“On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting every woman and girl from all forms of violence,” President Muizzu wrote. “It is our responsibility to build a society where safety and security are guaranteed for all.”
President Muizzu noted that as daily life becomes increasingly interconnected due to technological advancements, the risks associated with online intimidation and inappropriate exploitation are increasing. “As our lives become increasingly interconnected through technology, the risks of online harassment and exploitation grow,” President Muizzu wrote.
He stressed the necessity of addressing technological changes by working to empower, advance, and establish a secure environment specifically for women and girls, affirming that successfully implementing these measures would have a positive impact throughout society.
“Let us work together to ensure that emerging technologies empower and uplift women and girls, and provide a safe space for their development as well as the progress of our nation,” President Muizzu added.
The theme established by the United Nations for this year’s commemoration aligns directly with the government’s focus on empowerment. The 2025 theme for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls’.
The government of President Muizzu is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at combating violence against women, including awareness programmes designed to prevent such violence. These initiatives are carried out in collaboration with organisations that advocate for women’s rights. His administration is working to foster a societal culture that actively rejects violence against women, encouraging citizens to report incidents whenever they occur.
Echoing President Muizzu’s sentiments, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed issued a call for global cooperation, asserting that digital platforms must be made safe environments for women and girls. She underscored the urgency of this mandate, noting that women continue to face discrimination, violence, and harassment, circumstances that demand serious consideration and decisive action.
In remarks posted on social media, the first lady said the internet and digital platforms should serve as tools for empowerment. Rather than being spaces where abuse occurs, she argued, they must become platforms used to stand against and raise awareness of harassment. “Today, as we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, I speak for every woman and girl silenced by fear,” First Lady Sajidha wrote.
She continued, “We all deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to thrive. As women in this digital age, we refuse to accept violence as a ‘normal’ part of our lives. Digital spaces should empower women and girls, and there is simply #NoExcuse for online abuse and intimidation.”
She underscored that collective effort is essential to achieve the goal of making digital platforms safe for women and girls. “We must work collectively to create a digital world that supports every woman and girl and ensures a safer world both online and offline,” the first lady added.