Apr 10, 2025
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Women as Peacebuilders: Insights from the Maldives for India
- Women in the Maldives are key to peacebuilding and preventing extremism.
- India can strengthen its counter-extremism efforts by empowering women in leadership.
- Gender-sensitive policies and platforms for women’s participation are essential for lasting change.
“It is most refreshing, if not heartening, to see the words ‘women,’ ‘peace-builders,’ ‘agents,’ and ‘change’ in the same sentence. At a time when we are battling the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism on our pristine shores famed for peace, we are finally putting our women where they rightfully belong—at the centre of this key debate on peacebuilding and changemaking.”
This statement captures the core theme of the report “Women as Peace Builders & Agents of Change in the Maldives”, which provides an in-depth exploration of the critical role women can and should play in peacebuilding and preventing violent extremism in the Maldives. This comprehensive report shows that women are not just passive beneficiaries of peace but its architects, capable of transforming their communities through leadership, empathy, and resilience. The research presents actionable insights, particularly highlighting the necessity for structural reforms, gender-sensitive policies, and a more inclusive approach to decision-making.
There are key lessons from this study that India can adopt to address both gender inequality and extremism, using women’s participation as a tool for societal change and sustainable peacebuilding.
Actionable Learning for India from the Report:
- Women’s Role in Preventing Extremism: The report explains that while focusing on women solely as mothers or wives does not prevent extremism, enabling them to engage in public spheres provides a stronger foundation for community resilience against extremism. India can implement this by ensuring that women are not only given a voice in peacebuilding but also actively addressing issues of domestic violence, street harassment, and structural inequalities that contribute to their marginalisation. India is also facing issues of extremism in various regions, so women should be encouraged to take leadership roles in peace negotiations, local governance, and policymaking to increase societal resilience against extremism.
- Gender-Sensitive Approach to Counterterrorism: The Maldives report notes that women, though often viewed as nurturers, also have their own political and religious beliefs that must be considered. A holistic approach that includes women’s active participation in public life and governance is essential. In Indian states like Jammu and Kashmir or the northeastern regions where extremism poses challenges, a gender-sensitive approach in counter-extremism programs would involve listening to and empowering women leaders and activists in shaping public policy.
- Education and Awareness Programs Targeting Men: A significant aspect of the Maldives’ strategy is addressing misogyny and toxic masculinity, which often fuels both extremism and gender-based violence. India could similarly implement educational campaigns to reshape societal norms around gender and prevent the alienation that can lead to radicalisation. Programs aimed at men, particularly younger generations, can address issues of toxic masculinity with a focus on reshaping cultural perceptions around women’s roles in public life.
- Creating Safe Platforms for Women’s Engagement: The report mentions that the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (2020–2024) in the Maldives places a “special emphasis on harnessing the energy and potential of women to ensure peace and prosperity across all islands.” This indicates an institutional recognition of women’s critical role in shaping peace policies and reinforces the value of establishing official platforms for their voices. India, too, can establish dedicated platforms for women to participate in peace and policymaking processes across the country, with special emphasis on conflict-affected regions. These platforms must be structured around existing societal norms to maximise participation and impact.
“You can only see my eyes, and I still get harassed… I’ve never seen a man step in and stop something from happening. Why can’t men stop other men from doing this?”
- Structural Reforms for Gender Equality: This quote from the report reflects the frustration of Maldives women facing harassment and highlights a lack of intervention from men in the community. To change this, the report suggests a gender-responsive approach to policies. Similarly, India can improve women’s access to justice and protection from gender-based violence, especially in rural areas where women often lack representation. India can adopt gender-focused policies in governance, law enforcement, and public service. Training police and judiciary officials to be sensitive to women’s issues and ensuring women have access to decision-making platforms can be key steps toward reducing extremism linked to gender inequity.
- Political Empowerment and Public Voice for Women: The report emphasises the need for women to have full participation in public life because, in Maldives, there were notable gender barriers in politics, where women were primarily excluded from leadership roles. The report quotes, “We need more women in island councils. They are more in touch with what is going on out on the islands. The parties all use women as grassroots workers, but they won’t give them positions of power.” The Maldives ranks low in female political representation in South Asia, with only four women in the People’s Majlis (Maldivian Parliament), the lowest in the region. Political parties in India can take cues from this by encouraging more women candidates, creating safer environments for women politicians, and tackling online misogyny.
Moving Forward
The findings in this report demonstrate that sustainable peace comes from inclusive societies where women’s voices are central. By elevating women as essential players in decision-making, peacebuilding, and countering extremism, the Maldives is addressing some of its most pressing challenges. This vision isn’t just about gender equality; it’s about unlocking the full potential of every citizen to contribute to a safer, more cohesive nation.
Women play a transformative role in shaping stable and harmonious societies. When given equal opportunities, dignity, and leadership roles, they contribute significantly to nation-building and fostering long-term peace. A commitment to gender-inclusive peacebuilding has the power to inspire other nations facing similar challenges. For India, the lesson is clear: genuine change requires a concerted effort to create safe, supportive spaces where women can lead, make decisions, and contribute openly to public life.
